Clashes between Bodos and minority immigrants in our Assam districts continued for the fifth day in a row, with the death toll from the violence rising to 44. Over two lakh people in almost 400 villages have been displaced.
A ground report from CNN-IBN stated that the violence has been by and large contained, but sporadic clashes were reported from Baksa, near Nalbari in lower Assam.
Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed in Kokrajhar on Thursday, but three other districts of Dhubri, Chirang and Bongaigaon continue to be tense.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi conducted a survey of relief camps and met refugees while the Army has also conducted flag marches. State police, BSF and CRPF personnel are also patrolling affected areas.
Army personnel during a flag march in the ethnic violence hit village at Kokrajhar district on Thursday. PTI
Refugees who fled their villages are now staying in temporary relief camps set up in government schools and public buildings. They fear that if they go back, violence may erupt again.
“We don’t have food, water or a house. We are staying at the relief camp,” said one victim.
Recalling the violence, another victim said, “We were taking rest after lunch on Saturday when some miscreants came and attacked our village.”
The people are still living in fear despite the army conducting flag marches and the presence of paramilitary forces.
As the Congress government in Assam comes under fire for not being able to prevent and control the clashes in time, Home Secretary R K Singh said the Prime Minister would visit Kokrajhar on Saturday.
