Avoid lethal measures to control mobs: Assam CM

Firing should be avoided as far as practicable while controlling mob violence, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said.

Gogoi advocated measures to avoid civilian deaths during a law and order review meeting with top police and civil administration officials at his office Wednesday evening.

"We need to deal with public agitation with non-lethal, yet effective and focused measures," Gogoi said during the meeting.

The chief minister said police must tackle violent mobs without using excessive force.

"Use of tear gas, water cannons and non-lethal measures must be enforced to bring mob violence under control. Firing should be avoided as far as practicable," he said.

Last month, one person was killed and four were injured in Morigaon district when police opened fire to quell violence involving two groups over fishing in a water body.