In Assam, the death toll has gone up to 71 in recent violence. Additional DGP (Special Branch) Pallab Bhattacharya told AIR that 43 persons were killed in Sonitpur and 25 in Kokrajhar district. Another 3 persons were killed in Chirang district by miscreants.

Curfew has been imposed in entire Udalguri district and also in parts of Chirang and Baska districts today. Night curfew has been imposed in Kokrajhar district and parts of Dhubri district. Curfew also continues in many parts of Sonitpur districts. A strict vigil is being maintained by the security forces. The army has been deployed in violence hit areas to maintain law and order.

The Assam government has announced an ex-gratia payment of 5 lakh rupees to the family members of those who lost their lives in militant attacks and 50 thousand rupees to those injured.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that government will deal firmly with the militants involved in the killing of civilians. Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, Mr. Gogoi said that the Centre has assured all help to the state government. 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.

The Chief Minister said that around 2,500 people have taken shelter at relief camps in the violence hit areas. He urged the people to maintain calm and tranquillity. The banned outfit, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit group) had attacked civilians yesterday in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur districts.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is holding talks with Assam Chief Minister. Mr. Singh will also visit Biswanath Chariali in Sonitpur district tomorrow to take stock of the situation.