471 people died in communal clashes in Assam since 2001: Govt

, Aug 4: As many as 471 persons lost their lives in

clashes and 263 were injured in

since 2001, the state Assembly was informed today.

Replying to a query by AGP MLA Keshab Mahanta during the Question Hour in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Environment and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain said the state witnessed seven communal clashes between 2001 and June 2014.

The clash between Bodo and Muslim communities in 2012 recorded maximum number of deaths, with 109 people losing their lives in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri, Baksa and Dhubri districts, the minister said. Hussain, who replied to the question on behalf of Home Minister Tarun Gogoi, said the clash also left 140 persons injured.

The clash between Karbi and Dimasa tribes in Karbi Anglong district saw 106 people dead and 19 injured in 2005, he said, adding 98 people were killed and 28 others were injured in the clash between Kuki and Karbi from October 2003 to April 2004 in the district. Besides, 73 persons lost their lives and 29 were injured in the communal clash between Zemi Naga and Dimasa tribes in Dima Hasao district in 2009.

57 people were killed and 29 were injured in Dima Hasao in 2003 during a clash between Hmar and Dimasa people. Hussain said 16 persons lost their lives and two were injured in Karbi Anglong from December last year to January this year in the clash between Karbi and Rengma Naga people. In Goalpara district, 12 persons were killed and 16 others were injured in 2001 when Garo and Rabha communities clashed, the minister added.

PTI