Fear looms large over victims of Assam ethnic violence

Bhaktpara (Assam), Oct 8 : The violence may have ebbed in Assam after ethnic clashes between Bodo tribals and Bangladeshi settlers, but fear still looms large over hundreds who have lost their all in the bloodshed.

Huddled together in relief camps, these people are jittery, as they fear more violence to erupt and disrupt their lives.

Despite heavy deployment of armed forces and police in the affected areas, these people have lost all hopes of returning to heir homes and gaining back all they have lost.

"We are somehow staying in the camp. We cannot go home. We have lost everything and are quite helpless. All our valuables are gone. We are in despair and cannot do anything about it," said Jainal, a victim.

Around 160, 000 villagers are staying in different camps in affected areas in the state.

The state on its part is providing all possible help to these people. Provision for food and other basic commodities have been made by the government.

"We have set up 36 relief camps in Darrang district and 88, 000 inmates are there. Around another 88, 000 people are living in relief camps set up by us in Udalguri district. We have supplied them with basic commodities like rice, pulses, oil and other such items," said Nrrjamal Sarkar, Food and Supply Minister of Assam.

The violence between Bodo tribals and migrant Muslims broke out on Friday in Rowta in Assam's Udalguri district, and has since spread to neighbouring districts.

The authorities have called in the army and paramilitary forces to bring the violence under control.

ANI