Assam wants central forces in violence-hit BTAD

Guwahati, May 13: The Assam government has sought 50 companies of central forces for providing security in troubled Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) after results of Lok Sabha election are declared.

"We have asked for 50 companies (100 personnel each) from the Home Ministry to maintain law and order in BTAD. Of them, 30 companies will be provided by the Centre," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told a press conference here today.

Ten companies will reach the state during the day from West Bengal after completing poll duties, Gogoi said, adding that he has sought an action plan for future security in BTAD.

"These central forces will eventually go back after the situation becomes normal. So, we have to develop a mechanism for providing security to the people of BTAD," he said.

If necessary, the state government will carry out a recruitment drive for providing security to the people, he said. The toll in the two-day attack since May one in Baksa and Kokrajhar districts of BTAD has gone up to 46. While 39 people have been killed in Narayanguri, Khagrabari and Narsingbari villages of Baksa district, seven died in Kokrajhar.

"Two persons are still missing. Chances of their being alive are very remote, but we cannot declare them dead until we find their bodies," Gogoi said.

"The number of inmates in the relief camp has gone down to 310 from 498 in the last few days," he said, adding the situation was gradually returning to normal.

It has been alleged by the affected people that Congress ally Bodoland People's Front miscreants were responsible for the attacks on the people as they did not vote for the party's candidate in the Lok Sabha polls.

BPF has denied the allegations. Gogoi had earlier said that his government would snap ties with BPF if the charges against it are proved.

PTI