Assam Police hints at NSCN-IM hand in border area violence

The Assam Police Wednesday hinted at the involvement of Naga rebel group NSCN-IM in the Monday's incident of violence in a Assam district bordering Nagaland.

"There are indications that the ceasefire militant outfit of Nagaland - NSCN-IM are involved in the firing incident that took place on Monday," Assam Police Inspector General (Law and Order) S.N. Singh said after visiting the Naginijan area in Jorhat district, where one labourer was killed by assailants suspected to have come from the Nagaland side Monday.

Another group of miscreants had Tuesday uprooted saplings at a tea plantation at Geleki in Sivsagar district of Assam that borders Nagaland. Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area.

"I visited the Naginijan area today (Wednesday) and took stock of the situation there. As of now, the situation is under control. I'll also be visiting Geleki tomorrow (Thursday)" said the police officer.

He added that lack of proper demarcation between Assam and Nagaland and "clash of interests" are the root cause of violent clashes between people of the two states.

Meanwhile, the economic blockade started by the All Assam Tea Tribe Students Association (AATTSA) since Monday night continued Wednesday. The AATTSA is protesting against the Monday's killing of the labourer.