Centre rushes 4000 troopers to violence-hit Assam districts

The Central government on Tuesday said nearly 4,000 paramilitary troopers have been rushed to two violence-hit Assam districts where communal clashes have left 25 people dead.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke to Assam Chief MinisterTarun Gogoi and asked him to control the situation in Kokrajhar andChirang districts where raging violence has also forced more than 40,000 people to flee their homes in around 400 villages.

"Prime minister spoke to the Chief Minister and directed him to monitor the situation closely, and ensure safety of people and peace," an official in the Prime Minister's Office said. The PM also promised Gogoi more assistance as 39 companies of central paramilitary forces have been rushed to Assam.

“We have sent 29 companies. Fourteen were sent Monday and 15 more have been sent Tuesday," Home Secretary RK Singh told reporters in Delhi. He said joint secretary, northeast Shambhu Singh would be visiting Assamto take stock of the situation there even as officers in the union Home Ministry were in “regular touch” with the Assam Chief Secretary and police chief.

The situation in the region remains tense, according to Inspector General of Police SN Singh.
The violence started after gunmen attacked two student leaders in Magurbari on Thursday. Following this, four former Bodo militants were shot dead on Friday.

- Asian Tribune -