Two civilians were killed when an army team opened fire at a remote island in Assam's Kamrup district on Tuesday night.

A 20-member army team launched a raid on Sialmari char (island) under the Hajo police station in Kamrup district on a specific information that militants were hiding in the area, official sources said.

One person was killed in the initial operation, but as the team was trying to return, it was gheraoed by a mob armed with knives and daos (daggers).

The team led by Captain R S Gill of 18 Grenadiers then opened fire in self-defence, killing 2 civilians on the spot.

Earlier, Inspector General of Police (special branch) Khagen Sarma had said that eight people had died in the firing.

Top police and army officials have rushed to the spot, but the army's 21 Division under which the 18 Grenadiers Battalion operates is tightlipped at the moment refusing to give out any information.

This is a second incident involving the army and civilians in the same area.

Also see: Two blasts in Guwahati