Simmering tension in Assam's Goalpara district

Simmering tension prevailed Tuesday in areas along Assam's border with Meghalaya where tribal militants killed seven people two days ago, officials said.

The Assam government has deployed 28 companies of additional security forces in Goalpara district and sent soldiers to help police to maintain law and order.

The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) attacked civilians Sunday night killing seven people and injuring nine others.

Four Assam ministers - Nilamoni Sen Deka, Rockybul Hussain, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rajib Lochan Pegu - visited Gendabari area and met the victims' families.

They distributed interim ex-gratia payment to the distraught families.

"We also met police and district officials and reviewed the situation," Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain said.

"The Assam government had told police and the district administration to deal with the militants firmly. Steps will be taken to provide security to the innocent civilians," he added.

The families of the deceased will get Rs.6 lakh each and those seriously injured will receive Rs.50,000 each. Those who got minor injuries will receive Rs. 25,000 each.

The Assam government decided Sunday to launch a relentless counter-insurgency operations against the militants in the area and have imposed night curfew along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

"The situation has been improving in Goalpara," Assam Home Secretary G.D. Tripathy said.