JOIN USAshoka's Assam visit begins amid violence
Even as Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka began his three-day goodwill visit to the North-East on Saturday, fresh incidents of violence was reported from lower Assam’s Chirang district, resulting in the death of five persons.
With this, the death toll has gone up to 85, since the ethnic trouble erupted in the state last month.
The five were stabbed to death around 5:30 pm at Chaoudharipara at Bijni in the district, Assam IGP (Law and Order) L R Bishnoi said. Additional security forces were rushed to the spot and the area sealed, Bishnoi said.
In Assam, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka urged North-East professionals and students to return to the state. He said: “There has been no major incident of violence in Karnataka. There have only been a few verbal threats. Today I met many students and professionals here who have fled from Bangalore. I assured them of all protection.”
Asked about their reaction, Ashoka said: “I am sure they will return. We are one nation and all of us are Indians.”
Ashoka, who met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and briefed him about the steps taken by his government, said he was told that the state government was in touch with the railways and special train services were being arranged from Guwahati from September 1 to take back those who had fled.
There are around 3.5 lakh North-East people in Karnataka, of whom 2.5 lakh live in Bangalore.
According to State government figures, a total of 34,627 people left for their home states during the recent exodus. Inspector General of Assam Rifles Satish Dua told reporters here: “All the central and state security forces have been asked by the Union Home Ministry to maintain a strict vigil about the movement of the militants in the northeastern region.”