Assam violence: Gogoi recommends CBI probe, toll 73

Fresh incidences of violence were reported in lower Assam districts even as the government today recommended a CBI probe into the ethnic clashes, which have left 73 dead.

In the worst-affected Kokrajhar district, three persons were killed and two others injured when some persons opened fire on a group of people at Ranibuli village late last night while one more body was found today in neighbouring Chirang district, IGP (Law and Order) L R Bishnoi said.

Indefinite curfew has been reimposed in Kokrajhar, while round-the-clock curfew continues in Chirang.

Army continued flag marches in the morning in Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri districts.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters here, "I have recommended a CBI probe into the incidents and now it is up to the Centre to take a final decision on instituting it."

As many as 73 people died in the clashes, he said. "Both external and internal forces are at work," Gogoi said without elaborating and hoped that the CBI probe would identify the forces behind the violence.

The violence between Bodos and minorities has claimed 47 lives in worst-hit Kokrajhar district, 17 in Chirang, 4 in Dhubri besides 5 killed in police firing last month, officials said.

On complaints that Bangladeshi migrants were in relief camps, Gogoi said, "We have got reports that people from other states and areas near Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) are illegally taking shelter in the camps.

"Their antecedents will be checked and we will not allow rehabilitation of outsiders. Only genuine Indian citizens will be rehabilitated." 

Gogoi said illegal arms would be confiscated and 173 people have been arrested besides preventive arrests made as and when required.

He said 65 companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the affected districts.

The chief minister said 16 people, including seven children, have died in relief camps.

Meanwhile, protesting the killing of three persons who allegedly belong to the minority community in Kokrajhar, a group of 500 people blocked National Highway 31 at Beltoli and pelted stones at security forces injuring two, police said.

Members of the minority community demonstrated at Moriashalighat area and threw stones at CRPF, injuring a security man and damaging some vehicles, they said.

An attempt was made to set a truck on fire at Nayaghat but army personnel prevented it, police said.