Not enough force for Assam initially, says PC

 Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday admitted there was not enough police force to stem the ethnic violence in Assam when it first erupted.

“There was not enough police force on ground initially when first violence erupted on July 19 but subsequently the security forces came and the situation was brought under control,” Chidambaram told a press conference here after a day-long visit to relief camps in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of the state.

“It is a matter of great regret and sadness that violence erupted but in the last 72-hours no fresh violence has taken place and the government of Assam has taken control of the situation,” Chidambaram said. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had recently sought to point finger at the Centre for escalation of violence and resultant casualties due to delayed arrival of security forces.

Chidambaram said he had reviewed the latest situation with senior government officials and noted there was unanimity among the displaced persons that they all wanted to go back to their homes.

 “It is a good sign that everyone told me that he or she wants to return to their homes as early as possible.