Normalcy returning to communal clashes affected areas in Assam

Guwahati, Aug 19 (UNI) Communal tension in northern Assam districts of Darrang, Sonitpur and Udalguri subsided with the situation limping back to normal as authorities maintained a strict lookout for any miscreant or inflammatory activity.

Army still marched the streets to check further violence after communal clashes left two people dead since Thursday last.

Three state Cabinet ministers-- Nurjamal Sarkar, Rihon Daimary and Chandan Brahma-- visited Hugrajuli area today where miscreants had torched about 40 houses and opened indiscriminate firing on Sunday at a minority dominated village, injuring six.

They addressed a public meeting and also constituted a peace committee for ensuring communal harmony in the area, which has a mixed population of Muslims and indigenous people.

The ministers also met the families of the two persons who were killed-- Dipak Rabha and Panes Ali-- and assured them of all government assistance.

Additional Chief Secretary Harshamohan Kere has been entrusted to probe the Hagrijuli incident.

Three of the six injured persons were today shifted to Guwahati from the Tezpur Civil Hospital.

No fresh incidents were reported from the districts after the Hagrijuli incident.

The clashes were sparked by the death of a Bodo community youth during a minority sponsored bandh on Thursday.

UNI XC-SG KK RL AS1758