Tension in upper Asom, additional forces deployed

Guwahati, May 16 (UNI) Simmering tension prevailed in Upper Asom, even as additional companies of security forces were fanned out across the region to check any further escalation after ULFA overnight gunned down five migrant workers, spreading panic in the Hindi-speaking community.

Official sources confirmed that no untoward incidents have been reported from any of the upper Asom districts since last night.

Curfew was relaxed from 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs in Doomdooma, while in Digboi and adjoining areas of Tinsukia district it was relaxed from 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs.

Four additional companies of security forces have already arrived in Tinsukia, a police official said.

State Minister and state government spokesperson Pradyut Bordoloi, who visited the affected areas of Tinsukia district, today said the areas were slowly limping back to normalcy.

Mr Bordoloi also visited the house of Budheswar Moran and gave away a cheque of Rs 3 lakh as compensation to the family.

A tea garden employee, Moran was killed by the Army during an alleged encounter on May 6, an incident which flared up ethnic clashes, claiming as many as six lives in the Rupai area under Doomdooma police station.

Mr Bordoloi stated that the district administration has been instructed to ensure adequate supply of foodstuff to the areas facing shortage of essential commodities.

Peace committees have been formed in various villages in a bid to prevent any further violence.

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