Home Ministry pledges action against perpetrators of Assam violence

Amid fresh reports of violence in lower Assam, Union Home Secretary R K Singh on Monday assured that the communal violence in the northeastern state will be investigated thoroughly and the perpetrators brought to book.

"It is very much under control. There have been some incidents, where some lives have been lost. Both the State Government and the Central Government are determined to get to the bottom of it. There are some who incite communal violence. We will investigate and we will get the people behind it. We are very clear in our minds," Singh told media here.

"We have left behind all the forces. I want to make it clear to everybody that the people who are behind this, will be caught. We will investigate and catch them," he added.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said the situation is under control now and alertness has been given.

"I was touring for last two days, but I was getting information. Yesterday on 5th, there have been some incidents, and on 4th also one body was found there. I am getting the details and will disclose them in the evening. But the situation is under control now " he said.

Meanwhile, no fresh incidents of violence were reported on Monday in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts where five bodies were found on Sunday stoking fresh tension.

According to sources, the army was continuing flag marches, while the police and para-military forces were on patrol.

Indefinite curfew was reemployed in Chirang district where three bodies were recovered on Sunday while night curfew was continuing in Kokrajhar, where two bodies were recovered, besides in Baksa and Dhubri.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has constituted a group of ministers, headed by Revenue Minister Prithibi Majhi, to oversee the violence-affected areas.

The violence in Assam sparked on July 20 when unidentified men killed four youth. In retaliation, armed Bodos attacked Muslims, suspecting them of being behind the killings.

The death toll from clashes between Bodo tribes and Muslim settlers rose to over 61.

--With ANI Inputs--