Opp concerned over ethnic violence in Tinsukia

Guwahati, May 16: The main Opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today appealed to the people of the ethnic violence-hit areas in Doomdoma of Tinsukia district in Upper Asom to remove the fear- psychosis from their minds.

A nine-member delegation of the AGP, led by president Brindabon Goswami, visited the areas yesterday to make a ground assessment of the situation there.

Party spokesperson Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya, who was a part of the delegation, said the visit had yielded positive results.

He said, ''We have formed a three-member team, with party vice-president Joseph Toppo and two other leaders of the tea community, to hold discussions with the people in the area and help in restoring peace. '' The party urged the residents to remove the fear that had crept into their minds.

It held the "irresponsible" attitude of the state government for the violence in Tinsukia, which had left seven dead on May 13.

Meanwhile, the AGP (Progressive) staged a dharna in front of the Raj Bhawan here today.

AGP (P) chief and former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, who led the protest, urged the government to ensure that the situation was brought under control and violence did not escalate.

The party also submitted a memorandum to the Governor.

UNI