Assam killings: Bengal Congress to observe black day

The West Bengal unit of the Congress Friday blamed the "divisive politics" allegedly being pursued by the BJP as the main reason behind the killing of five Bengali-speaking people in Assam.

State Congress president Somen Mitra announced that the party would observe "black day" tomorrow to protest the killings in Tinsukia district of the neighbouring state.

Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five Bengali-speaking persons including three members of a family beside a bridge near Kheronibari village on Thursday night.

"This is not the first time we are witnessing such kind of barbaric attack on Bengalis in Assam. In the '80s too we witnessed such planned attacks on Bengalis," Mitra said.

"We will observe black day across the state tomorrow," he said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh should immediately visit the spot and talk to the bereaved family members, Mitra said adding that the government should take steps to ensure safety and security of the Bengali speaking citizens living in Assam.