Fresh clashes erupts in lower Assam: toll 53

AASU leaders at a relief camp Udalguri on 05-10-08. Photo: UB PHOTOS.

There is report of fresh clashes in five riot hit districts of lower Assam on Monday where other tribes joining the Bodos in the attack against the suspected Bangladeshi immigrants. All these have led to the increase in the death toll to 53. According to information, one lakh people from both communities have been displaced and 500 houses have been destroyed. Over a 100 people are reported to have been injured. Many people have shelter in the 36 relief camps that have been set up. To bring the situation under control, Army columns are now staging a flag march. Besides, 10 companies of the paramilitary force have been deployed and helicopters are surveying the area.

According to information, miscreants killed two people, including a pregnant woman, and injured two others in Chirang district, which led to blockade of the National Highway 31(C) by Bodo protesters.

An all party delegation led by AGP president and Opposition leader Chandra Mohan Patowary had to face an embarrassing situation with the riot hit people did not allow them to visit the area on Monday.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain, Education minister Gautam Bora, Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, Transport Minister Chandan Brahma and Public Health Minister Rihon Daimary were also camping in the two districts.