25 killed in Assam as violence escalates

Guwahati, Oct 5 : Over 25 people have been killed in communal clashes in Assam as the situation turned critical between the local tribals and Bangladeshi migrants in Udalguri and Darrang Districts of the state, according to unconfirmed reports.

Today, the violence spread to Rauta village in Udalguri District, about 80 kms east of Guwahati, where a large number of houses have been burnt down.

On Saturday, the Assam Government had issued shoot-at-sight orders in curfew-bound Udalguri District to paramilitary forces and the Army in order to curb the violence.

The shoot at sight orders was extended today to the areas where the violence has spread.

Since Friday, more than 200 houses were set ablaze in about six villages. Army has been deployed in the area.

According to reports, thousands of villagers have fled their homes and are now sheltering in makeshift relief camps set up by the police.

The provocation for the clashes was allegedly an attack on a group of Village Defence Party (VDP) volunteers belonging to the tribal Bodo community by members of a religious minority group on Friday.

ANI