Only 10 civilians die in extremist attacks in 2015: Report

Guwahati, Aug 10: Assam witnessed the lowest civilian casualties in 25 years due to extremist violence in 2015 with only 10 persons losing their lives, while 58 militants were killed in encounters with security forces.

The 13th Report of the Standing Committee on Home Department, which was tabled in the assembly today, said the state witnessed improvement in overall law and order situation last year.

"One of the most significant achievements under the Unified Command structure is that the total number of civilians killed in extremist violence in 2015 in the state is 10, which is an all-time low since 1991," it said. According to the report, 58 militants belonging to different organisations were killed in encounter with security forces in last year.

"During 2015, the security forces apprehended 1,449 cadres, including many top leaders of militant groups," the Standing Committee Report said. In 2016, 608 cadres of militant groups have been apprehended from across Assam till July 21, the report said.

A total of 31 militants of various groups have been killed in encounter with security forces in this year so far.

The report pointed out many deficiencies of the Assam Police such as improper housing for personnel, lack of man power in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts, insufficient equipment at forensic science laboratory, lack of CCTV cameras and absence of sufficient modern arms among others.

PTI