Centre rushes additional paramilitary forces to Asom

New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) The Centre today decided to send more companies of paramilitary forces to Asom to deal with the spurt in violence in the state which claimed 66 lives so far.

Home Ministry spokesman said it had been conveyed to the Asom government to ensure the safety of all communities as this is a prime concern and the Centre wants to stop the exodus of non-Assamese from the state.

Patrolling is being intensified in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia region of Upper Asom. Additional police pickets are being set up and intelligence gathering is being beefed up in the state.

Meanwhile, the Army resumed combing operations in Upper Asom, which continued to be apprehensive of renewed attacks.

According to official reports, there were no incidents since last night, apart from a bomb blast in the city.

Earlier in the day Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asked the Centre to issue a statement on the issue and reveal its action plan to control the volatile situation, in which migrant workers from Bihar were the target of ULFA.

UNI