Centre dispatches paramilatary forces to Asom

New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) The Centre today dispatched 20 companies of paramilitary forces to Asom in view of ULFA's attack which claimed 68 lives so far.

Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, who visited Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Guwahati, yesterday to assess the ground-level situation in the affected region submitted his report to Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

The minister aslo spoke to state government officials during the day to get a clear picture following the latest round of attacks on non-Assamese migrant workers in the state.

The Chief Secretary and Director General of Asom have been summoned by the Centre on January 12.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who met Mr Jaiswal in Guwahati yesterday has also been called by the Centre.

The state government had demanded 20 companies, which the Centre dispatched immediately. The Asom government wants more Central forces to hold the National Games, and for protecting Railways and other infrastructure.

Defence Minister A K Anthony will be leaving for Asom tomorrow while Railway Minister Lalu Parasad has already reached today.

UNI