Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that government will deal firmly with militants involved in the killing of civilians. Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, Mr. Gogoi said that the Centre has assured the state government of all help. He said that 65 persons were killed in Kokrajhar, Sonitpur and Chirang districts. He said that another three persons were killed in police firing today in Sonitpur district. He said that the Centre has sanctioned deployment of 55 additional companies of security forces and they are likely to arrive in Assam in a day or two.

Mr. Gogoi said that he would hold talks with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at 7.30 pm tonight in Guwahati. The Chief Minister added that militants have taken shelter in neighbouring states after committing violence in Assam. He will take up the issue with the Centre. The Chief Minister said that around 2,500 people have taken shelter from violence hit areas. He urged the people to maintain calm and tranquility.

Meanwhile, violence has also been reported from some other areas in Lower Assam. The banned outfit, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit group) had attacked civilians yesterday in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur districts. In another incident, at least 9 persons were injured in Udalguri district when a section of people forcefully tried to shut down a market. Miscreants also torched down houses at some places.

forces resorted to firing to disperse protesters at Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district. Hundreds of people gathered at Dhekiajuli protesting the killing of civilians by militants. Curfew has been imposed in parts of Chirang and Baska districts today while curfew is also on in parts of Sonitpur district. State Home department has alerted district administration to take all steps to prevent any untoward incident.