Assam holding on, curfew relaxed at Ranagapara

Guwahati, Nov 29 (UNI) Despite a series of protests by the adivasis today against Friday's incident, Assam was holding on to its nerves with no fresh violence reported and curfew relaxed at strife-torn Ranagapara.

There were more than three major Adivasi protests against the brutal attack on them in Guwahati on Friday, but the situation was carefully handled by police averting any flare-up.

However, the situation in the entire state, except the districts of Barpeta, Nalabari, Kamrup and Morigaon, was tense as cycle of violence of the past four days had increased the gulf between the Adivasis and the others.

Meanwhile, the indefinite curfew clamped in Rangapara area of Assam's Sonitpur district was relaxed for two hours today even as the situation remained tense with Adivasis slated to launch a protest march to the district headquarters.

Sonitpur Deputy Commissioner Kamal Goswami told newsmen that curfew was relaxed between 1400-1600 hours as there had been no untoward incident since Wednesday night.

Rangapara and nearby areas were rocked by violence on Wednesday when the Adivasis, protesting the assault on them in Guwahati on November 24, attacked people and business establishments, forcing the local people to retaliate.

The agitators also attempted to attack the Rangapara police station. Police resorted to blank fire and used tear gas to control the mob.

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