Normalcy returns to violence-hit Assam districts

Guwahati, Oct 9 (ANI): The situation in violence-affected Udalguri and Darrang districts of Assam is limping back to normalcy.

No fresh incident of violence has been reported in both the districts since last three days.

The Darrang district authority has relaxed curfew in Dalgaon and Kharupetia police station areas for eight hours from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. today in view of improvement of the situation.

In Udalguri town, the curfew has been relaxed for from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has requested the State Assembly Speaker to immediately send an all party delegation to the affected districts to instill confidence among the people.

In a statement, Gogoi appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm and not to be provoked by the false and mischievous propaganda of the anti-social and anti-national forces.

An estimated 8,000 police, army and paramilitary troops were deployed in Udalguri, Darrang, Baska, and Chirang district of Assam after violence broke out on Friday.

Since Friday, more than 200 houses were set ablaze in about six villages.

According to reports, thousands of villagers have fled their homes and are now sheltering in makeshift relief camps set up by the police.

The provocation for the clashes was allegedly an attack on a group of Village Defence Party (VDP) volunteers belonging to the tribal Bodo community by members of a religious minority group. (ANI)