Minority body seeks investigation into Assam ethnic strife

"How did the violence unfold and who are the persons behind it? So far there has been no answer to this. We demand that the Assam government order a proper inquiry into this by some central agency, probably the CBI," Religious Minority Council of Bodoland Territorial Council general secretary Alauddin Ali told reporters here.

He said all communities, including the Bodos and the minorities, have been living in harmony in the region since ages.

"BTC was formed on the sacrifices made by Bodo people and the sympathy and support extended by non-Bodos," Ali said.

Blaming the state government for not taking immediate steps to curb the violence, he said, "Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was slow in reacting to the initial incidents of violence and this led to escalation."

Ali also refuted the allegation made by certain quarters that some Bangladeshi elements were behind the violence.

He demanded an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.

"Besides, the state government and the BTC should take immediate steps to bring the displaced people back to their homes and provide compensation for the loss of property," Ali said.

As many as 41 people died so far in the clashes between minority immigrants and Bodos in lower Assam districts.

Indefinite curfew and shoot-at-sight orders are in force in worst-affected Kokrajhar district, while night curfew is on in Chirang and Dhubri district.

Over two lakh people are taking shelter in relief camps, while 11 are still missing.