Fake encounter: Impromptu bandh in Doomdooma as protests continue

Tinsukia, May 11 (UNI) The tea town of Doomdooma witnessed an impromptu bandh today as protests over the Army's staged encounter continued in the trouble-torn Tinsukia district of upper Asom for the sixth consecutive day.

Over 5,000 protesters blocked the NH 37 at Rupai, held protest meetings and demanded that the Chief Minister and Governor visit them.

Road communication to the secluded Sadiya sub-division as well as four districts of Arunachal Pradesh were adversely affected in the wake of the protests, resulting in shortage of essentials in places.

Yesterday, the people of Sadiya submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, seeking measures to restore communication in the sub-division.

Doomdooma MLA Durga Bhumij and Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia met the protesters, but failed to pacify them.

The banned ULFA today slammed the Army for ''denying fundamental rights to the people of Asom''.

Citing the killing of Budheswar Moran as ''another instance exemplifying the misrule of the India colonial rulers'', ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in an email to the media that the widespread protests indicated the resentment among the people of Asom.

''After killing an innocent, the Army admits it was a mistake and sheds crocodile tears. Even the state government has relieved itself of the responsibilities by announcing Rs 3 lakh. Can a meager Rs three lakh return a precious life? '' Mr Rajkhowa asked.

He alleged that the Army had denied the Assamese of their fundamental rights.

Appealing to the people to rise against the ''suppressive rule'' of the Army, the ULFA also reiterated its demand for withdrawal of the Army from the state.

The villagers yesterday cremated the victim's body at his native village in Tirap.

Two probes, one by the Army and another by a state government appointed commission, were underway to identify the lapses in the killing of Moran.

This was the third incident of a fake encounter by the Army operating in the state in 15 months.

The killings of Moni Gogoi and Ajit Mahanta by the Army in January this year and February last year respectively also saw similar protests. Two Army officers were court marshalled for staging an encounter in the Ajit Mahanta's case.

UNI