GUWAHATI: Curfew that was imposed from 6 am on Friday in Hailakandi district of Assam’s Barak Valley where violence broke out in the morning of Friday in Hailakandi town, has been extended till 7 pm of May 12 even as the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered a probe into the violence.
The administration has sought the help of the Army to bring the situation under control even though CRPF and Assam Rifles have been deployed in trouble torn and sensitive areas.
Sonowal announced an inquiry into the incidents on violence and directed Additional Chief Secretary, Rajiv Bora to conduct the probe and submit report to the Government.
Further, as per direction from the Chief Minister, Environment & Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, ADGP Mukesh Agarwalla and Commissioner of Barak Valley Region Anuwaruddin Choudhury have already headed for Hailakandi to take stock of the situation.
The Chief Minister while reviewing the situation also directed the administration to take all necessary measures to quell violence.
He also called on the people of the state through a statement to maintain peace and harmony and urged them not to allow divisive forces to create unrest in the society.
He reiterated that the state government would take strong actions against any such forces inimical to the interest of the state and its people.
Meanwhile, following emergency-like situation, curfew was imposed by the district administration in Hailakandi town to maintain peace and tranquility on Friday.
In an order issued at around 1 pm, District Magistrate Keerthi Jalli said curfew had been clamped in town areas as ‘there exists strange relation between groups who are trying to indulge in violence and create communal violence’ necessitating the administration to take immediate action ‘in view of the present events’ to ensure speedy remedy for maintenance of public order and tranquility.
In another order, District Magistrate Jalli extended curfew to entire district from 6 am on Friday to 7 pm of May 12.
Jalli has appealed everyone to exercise restraint and to maintain peace and tranquility.
“Stringent action will be taken against anyone moving around, as per provisions of law,” she warned.
Meanwhile, MLA from Sonai LAC Aminul Haque Laskar released a video appealing for peace. He requested the people of Hailakandi to maintain peace and harmony and not take law in their hand.
BJP MLA and a minister in Assam Parimal Suklabaidya urged people in the Facebook to maintain peace. The minister shared, “In this time, it’s important that every individual of all religion and community comes together to help the administration find a solution to the problem. I also request all to maintain peace in this time.”