Violence grips Bodo heartland of Assam

Once a hotbed of insurgency, Bodo heartland of Assam is now under the grip of violence between two communities. At least 19 people have lost their lives, and 26,000 people are taking shelter in 36 relief camps.

Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD), which comprises of four bodo-tribe-inhabited districts of Assam, viz.; Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri, and formed following the signing of the historic Bodo Accord in 2003, have been witnessing violence since July 18 against a particular community which is suspected to be of illegal immigrants. Violence begun when two suspected illegal immigrants were shot at in Kokrajhar and then had spread to adjoining districts.

“Army and paramilitary forces, along with state armed forces have been deployed in affected areas to contain the violence. Assam Forest Protection Force has also been deployed in the trouble torn areas,” police sources informed.

Incidents, which were earlier concentrated in Kokrajhar district, have now spread to adjoining districts of Chirang and Dhubri, sources said.

“Seven civil officers and 15 police officers have been deputed from other districts to assist the district administration of Kokrajhar in maintaining law and order and relief operation. The Centre has also rushed in additional police forces which are being deployed in other potential areas to check spread of the violence. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist the district administration of Kokrajhar,” government sources said. A 12-hour Assam bandh was called by the All Assam Minority Stundents’ Union (AMSU) which also saw violence in suspected illegal immigrants dominated areas of Lower Assam, particularly in Dhubri district. Train services through lower Assam had to be regulated on Monday due to the bandh and ensuing violence.