Centre sends additional forces to Assam following ethnic clashes

New Delhi, Oct 6 (UNI) Concerned over the ethnic violence erupting in Assam, the Centre today sent additional 1,400 paramilitary forces to the state where clashes between Bodo tribes and Bangladeshi immigrants claimed 40 lives.

The additional forces are meant to be deployed in Udalguri and Darrang districts where violence broke out on October 2, according to Home Ministry sources.

At least 60 persons have been also injured and 500 houses torched in the two adjoining districts bordering Bhutan.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta said that he was in constant touch with senior officials of Assam government to monitor the situation closely.

Meanwhile, in fresh violence in Chirang district, two persons lost their lives in what the state government claimed was a case of 'ethnic cleansing' of non-tribals.

In an effort to restore peace in the area, 16 columns of Army have also been deployed to assist the local authorities. The army personnel staged flag march in the area to instill confidence among the people.

Over one lakh people from the affected areas have been sheltered in relief camps in Udalguri and Darrang districts.

The Home Ministry was concerned that if the situation was not brought under control immediately, it might engulf more areas and snowball into a major problem. To prevent this, the ministry has asked the state government to deploy adequate forces in the neighbouring districts.

UNI AJ PK HT2015