Day curfew lifted in Assam-Meghalaya border areas

Shillong, Jan 14 (PTI) Day curfew was today liftedfrom the ethnic violence hit areas of Meghalaya, and thestrife affected refugees have started going back to theirhomes.

East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi saidonly night curfew will be in force from today in Meghalaya''sResubelpara subdivision till complete normalcy.

Some 5,000 refugees have already left for their homesfrom the relief camps since yesterday.

"We have closed down four of the 18 relief camps.

People are going on their own," he said.

In adjoining Goalpara district of Assam also, nightcurfew is in place since yesterday.

No incident has been reported since the last threedays.

Process of reconciliation has started in the affectedareas, with community leaders, NGOs and administrationofficials holding meetings in the villages to regain theconfidence of the people, officials said.

Security escorts have been provided to vehicles,especially those carrying essential commodities plying alongthe border areas.

Administrations of both the adjoining districts are intouch to ensure security and prevent any further incident. PTIRTJNN