Normalcy returns to violence-hit Assam districts

Guwahati, Oct 07: The situation in violence-hit areas of Assam remained calm on Tuesday with no overnight incidents reported.

Assam Government spokesman and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the situation is fast returning to normal with security forces able to quell the clashes although curfew and shoot-at-sight orders are continuing. An estimated 8,000 police, army and paramilitary troops were deployed in Udalguri, Darrang, Baska, and Chirang district of Assam after violence broke out on Friday between tribal Bodos and Muslim migrant settlers.

The death toll now stood at 40 with 15 people dying in police firing alone.

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.

ANI