Indefinite curfew in Assam's violence-affected villages

Indefinite curfew continued in Chokihola area of Karbi Anglong district of Assam, where Karbi Peoples' Liberation Tiger (KPLT) militants killed four people Friday, attacking a Naga village, setting fire and firing indiscriminately.

The Assam government rushed three companies of additional forces Friday night to the affected areas so violence is contained and does not spread.

A group of armed KPLT militants attacked Khoaani village near Chokihola under Bokajan subdivision of the district at dawn Friday, setting some houses on fire. The militants started firing indiscriminately, killing four people instantly. Among those killed were three Naga women.

There is also a report that a Naga militant outfit, Rangma Naga Hills Protection Force (RNHPF), had retaliated and launched a counter-attack on the KPLT militants, killing two of the KPLT militants. However, their bodies have not been recovered so far, police said.

"We have imposed indefinite curfew in the affected areas. There are no fresh incidents of violence today," state Commissioner Secretary (Home) G.D. Tripathi said Saturday.

"We have reviewed the situation today morning and search operation is on. However, we have not recovered the bodies of the KPLT militants," he said.

"Three relief camps have already been opened in Chokihola and Barpathar areas and about 500 people are taking shelter in the relief camps," he said, adding that the police and administration are trying to persuade affected people to return to their villages.

"We have intensified security arrangements in and around the affected areas. There is no need to panic and we are trying to convince the affected people to return to their villages at the earliest," Tripathi said, adding that indefinite curfew will continue for now.