One killed, 200 injured in Guwahati clash

Guwahati, Nov 24 (UNI) At least one person was killed and 200 injured as group clashes between the tribal protestors and local people broke out forcing the authorities to clamp curfew in some parts of the city here today.

''The situation is under complete control'' said Home Commissioner Subhash Das.

The government sources said one person was killed and 200 were injured and being shifted to Guwahati Medical college.

The government, however, denied a report saying at least 20 people were killed in the clashes.

The security forces intensifed patrolling at Beltola-Survey-Last Gate area where a fighting between the groups lasted some two hours.

The trouble started when several thousand tribal people under the aegis of the All Assam Tea Tribes Students Union, took out a protest procession from Beltola this forenoon after a meeting in a local school demanding their reservation in the different government departments.

They soon turned violent and attacked almost everyone they came across. Many vehicles and shops were damaged along one km long road and even allegedly molested women. Even an indepdent MLA, Tarak Das, was injured and his vehicle was damaged.

Seeing this rampage, the local people protested and when their appeal was not heeded, the police were called and they fired tear gas shells in the air and used lathies. As the protestors ran for cover, the waiting local people pounded upon them and fight began.

In the retaliation, some 200 protestors were injured seriously, police said.

Meanwhile, all the districts were alerted and patrolling on National Highway was intensifed to face any eventuality.

UNI