NDFB(S) cadres arrested in Assam

Death toll in the Assam violence now 80

Security forces have arrested two cadres of the banned outfit National Democratic Front of Bodoland- Sangbijit faction, which was responsible for the attack on innocent civilians in the Kokrajhar, Sonitpur and Chirang districts of Assam last week.

"Security forces have intensified operation against terrorists. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has decided to constitute judicial enquiry into the killings [by the NDFB(S)]," Assam Home Commissioner L S Changsan told the media here.

"Sophisticated weapons, including drones, will be used to wipe out the terrorists," she added.

Changsan further stated that with the recovery of two more bodies, the death toll in last week's attacks has gone up to 80 and confirmed that 182 fixed security pickets have been set up in the violence-hit areas.

Last week, NDFB(S) militants opened fire on civilians in the Sonitpur, Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam, prompting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to declare the massacre 'an act of crafted terror'.

In a meeting with Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Gogoi and other senior state officials, Singh had assured that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will probe the case thoroughly. The ministers also stated that the Centre will provide Assam with additional companies of security forces.