Four students killed in Assam police firing

Barpeta (Assam), July 22 (ANI): At least four students were killed and over a dozen others injured, when the police opened fire on rampaging protestors attempting to stop updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam's Barpeta town on Wednesday.

The protestors consisting of All Assam Minority Students Union (AAMSU) activists turned violent and started vandalising, attacking shops and private vehicle and even tried storming the District Magistrates Office in a bid to stop updating of National Register of Citizens (NRC) work in progress.

Police first resorted to baton charge and then opened fire in the air, before firing at the protestors to disperse them.

"I have known that three people have died on the spot and the injured are in Barpeta Civil Hospital and in Guwahati Medical College Hospital," said Saiful Islam, relative of an injured student.

Police opened fire when they failed to disperse the protestors even after bursting teargas shells.

Three students died on the spot, while another succumbed to his injuries at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.

The injured were admitted to the Barpeta Civil Hospital and those with serious injuries were rushed to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.

As part of the NRC project, the citizens have been asked to attach some documents as proof of their citizenship included the list of NRC 1951 and electoral roll of 1966 and 1971.

The NRC is being updated to identify and enlist Indian citizens in the State. (ANI)