Assam violence toll rises to 51

Guwahati, Oct 8 : The death toll in Assam's Udalguri and Darrang Districts, dogged by clashes between Bodos and illegal Bangladeshi migrants has risen to 51 with the recovery of 11 bodies today.

According to official sources, three bodies were recovered from the Panbari area of Darrang District, while two bodies each were found from Paschim Hahiligaon in the Tangla and Mazbat areas. Four bodies were recovered from Kalaigaon, Rajapukhuri and Jhargaon areas of Udalguri district.

The bodies were recovered from villages burnt down when search operations were launched for survivors and bodies.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has requested the State Assembly Speaker to immediately send an all party delegation to the affected districts to instill confidence among the people.

In a statement, Gogoi appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm and not to be provoked by the false and mischievous propaganda of the anti-social and anti-national forces.

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.

Since Friday, more than 200 houses were set ablaze in about six villages.

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