Govt chalks out CBMs to restore peace in Kokrajhar, Chirang

Guwahati: With violence dying down in lower Assam, the administrations of worst-hit Kokrajhar and Chirang districts have chalked out confidence building measures to restore peace in the area. Peace meeting by committees comprising representatives of different communities, appeals to refugees to go home with the return of peace and a call to all political parties and organisations not to call bandhs, rallies road and rail blockades are among measures contemplated under the CBMs. “Government dignitaries and political leaders have cut across party lines to appeal to the people to restore peace,” Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Jayant Narlikar told PTI. [caption id=“attachment_442587” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Over 4.86 lakh people were forced out of their homes during the violence, which has claimed 96 lives. AP[/caption] A 16-member team of leading editors of local dailies in the state have taken stock of the situation in relief camps in Kokrajhar and Gossaigaon," he said. Narlikar said the the government and the Bodoland Territorial District Administration have decided to rehabilitate “genuine” Indian citizens having valid land documents. Chirang district deputy commissioner Puru Gupta said, “It can be said that the visit of Bodoland council members to camps has healed the situation to a great extent.” He said with the situation gradually returning to normal night curfew would be lifted from today. “The district has been under 437 hours of curfew and it is time to take measures for permanent peace,” he said. Gupta said that recently a 130-member team from the state’s cultural department visited several relief camps and held recreational activities for children bruised by the violence. “Many members gave a scrub down and bathed children who have not done so for days which brought smiles on the faces of their mothers,” Gupta said. Over 4.86 lakh people were forced out of their homes during the violence, which has claimed 96 lives. The deputy commissioner also said that the army plans to hold a national integration tour with affected children from camps who would be taken around the country. “This will help them to return to normal,” he said. He said all measures have been taken to ensure that supply of essentials and food in the district and in the relief camps are maintained. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has renewed his appeal through the media for peace.  “We urge the people not to listen to rumours. There is no more violence. The government is making a sincere attempt to ensure peace,” he said. The violence in the state led an exodus of students, professionals and factory workers to the north-east from other states fearing a backlash. Since them a portion of them have left in a special train for Karnataka while another train is scheduled to leave tomorrow. PTI