From Our Correspondent
Guwahati: Eight columns of Army have been deployed in the violence-affected Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) areas in western Assam where death toll due to yesterday’s violence mounted to 19.
Admitting lapses on part of the government for failing to provide adequate security for holding of panchayat election in the areas despite opposition from various bodies, Assam chief minister and home minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday informed that out of the 19 killed so far , 13 died in police firing while rest six died in subsequent ethnic clashes later on Tuesday.
He said the situation had been brought under control as the last incident occurred at 11-45 on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, All Assam Tribal Sangha, a banner organization of various tribal bodies in Assam on Wednesday called for 12-hour Assam bandh in protest against Tuesday’s police firing on tribal protestors and subsequent violence in RHAC areas.
Gogoi informed that a judicial inquiry would be conducted to probe into what happened in RHAC areas on Tuesday besides seeking a CBI inquiry into to fix responsibilities.
Gogoi claimed that some political forces had instigated the protestors in RHAC areas and pointed that ‘somebody must have organized the thousands of protestors’.
Over 100 houses were torched, while nearly 30 policemen and equal number of civilians have injured in the violence.
Curfew has been clamped in Krishnai and Mornoi areas in Gaolpara district and shoot-at-sight orders are in place.
Gogoi has rushed four cabinet ministers to the violence-hit areas to monitor the situation and to prevent further escalation.
The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police are also keeping a close watch over the affairs.
According to official figures, out of 552 polling stations in RHAC areas, polling were conducted in 381 that accounts for 68 per cent.
Even in the 171 polling stations where polling was disrupted, miscreants prevented the people from casting their votes.
“This is a clear indication that the majority supported holding of election p, we cannot allow rowdy elements to win over the democratic process,” Gogoi said.
Re-polling will be held at the disturbed areas at a later date as fixed by the state Election Commission.
