The conflagration in Assam was inevitable. For years uncontrolled influx from Bangladesh has resulted in the indigenous Assamese population turning into a minority in their own state. The Congress party has for decades remained apathetic to the influx problem because of vote bank politics. Now the problem seems to have reached a climax. The army and paramilitary forces have now been deployed. Since the orgy of violence started, more than 1,70,000 people have fled from their homes and about 60 villages have been burnt down. At least 20,000 train passengers are stranded in different parts of Assam as several trains have been cancelled. People are huddled in groups in the relief camps facing inclement weather. Last time such a massacre had occurred was in 2006.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has spoken to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and impressed upon him the need to involve both Bodo and Muslim leaders in defusing the crisis. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has also expressed concern. The BJP has charged the Congress with turning Assam into a laboratory of communal experiment. It has sent a team to Assam. It alleges that the army and the police in the state are inactive in snuffing out communal violence. There is no doubt that the ruling party cashes in on the Muslim vote bank and does little to stop illegal immigration of Bangladeshi Muslims into Assam which has the second largest Muslim population in the country. The clash with tribals over land naturally ignites communal violence.
