Residents of three villages fled their homes and were sheltering in relief camps, Police sources said. "I admit that some lapses have taken place in our assessment and intelligence. I take full responsibility," the chief minister said. Stating that a conflict of interest among groups prevailed in Goalpara district, he said "Goalpara has always been a place where there exists conflict of interest among different communities. Our aim should be to resolve the issues peacefully. "The stress is to ensure that no further incidents take place. The Chief Secretary and the DGP are monitoring the situation," he said. Gogoi said that besides Rs five lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the violence, the government would also provide rehabilitation and houses under the Indira Awas Yojana to those who lost property. Environment and Forest minister Rockybul Hussain, Agriculture minister Nilomoni Sen Deka, Water Resources minister Rajib Lochan Pegu, besides former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhumidhar Barman have left for Goalpara this morning. The Rabhas and Hasongs supported by Bodo and Garo tribes have been demanding holding of the RHAC elections ahead of the grassroot polls claiming that panchayats would undermine the Council's authority. (MORE)
