Assam for judicial probe into Bodoland violence; no incident in 48 hrs

Normalcy is returning to Assam's Bodoland as no incident has been reported from Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) in 48 hours.

Assam government has decided to go for a judicial inquiry by a retired judge to probe into the outbreak of violence in BTAD.

"The inquiry would unravel the conspiracy and bring the culprits to book," said chief minister Tarun Gogoi. He added the government, which had moved the National Investigation Agency to probe the incidents, "would leave no stone unturned." He said beefing security in BTAD, which comprises the four Bodo-tribe inhabited districts of north-western Assam, had helped bring normalcy.

"Anyone involved in the heinous and dastardly crimes would not be spared," Gogoi said. The Centre, he added, was rushing in another 10 companies of Central Reserve Police Force, in addition to the 10 companies dispatched to the violence-hit areas.

The minister said steps were being taken to intensify patrolling, with the help of the army and paramilitary forces, to set up more outposts and to form peace committees comprising people of all communities.

Dismissing news reports the government would issue firearms to the violence-affected in BTAD, Gogoi said the government had not taken any decision.

Security is being provided to vehicular traffic and trains moving through BTAD. Meanwhile, five cases have been registered in connection with the violence in BTAD and 26 persons have been arrested. A relief camp has been set up by Baksa district administration where 498 persons have taken shelter and arrangements for food, water, sanitation and health facilities have been made.

Security forces have strengthened their operations against the banned militant outfit National Democratic Front of Bodoland, suspected to be behind the violence. Three members of the outfit were on Tuesday gunned down in Sonitpur and Udalguri districts by security forces.