In Assam, death toll has gone up to 54 in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur districts. Additional DGP Pallab Bhattacharya said that 17 persons were gunned down in Kokrajhar district. On the other hand, 37 persons were killed in two separate incidents in Sonitpur district. Among them, over 40 were women and children. Several injured persons are undergoing treatment. Six ministers will visit Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts today to take stock of the situation following the death of civilians. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi instructed ministers to go to violence hit districts. Banned outfit National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbajit faction) killed the civilians in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur district yesterday. Curfew has been imposed at 5 places in Sonitpur district. State Home department has instructed district administration to take all steps to prevent any untoward incident. Eyewitnesses in Sonitpur district said, militants in 10 to 15 numbers in army camouflage had attacked villagers with sophisticated weapons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi over the phone last night and took stock of the situation. Sources in the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr Gogoi has urged the Centre to deploy additional force in Assam and Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured all necessary help. The State Home department has instructed the administration of all the districts to remain alert. Official sources said, Deputy Commissioners have also been instructed to take steps so that such incidents do not occur in future. The world heritage site, Manas National Park has been closed for 3 days in a bid to intensify operation against militants.
Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee has strongly condemned the killings in Assam. Mr Mukherjee said, such acts of terror and violence must be put down with a firm hand. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said that the killing of innocent people in Sonitpur and Kokrajhar was an act of cowardice. He also said the Mr Rajnath Singh will visit Assam and take stock of the situation. Asom Gana Parishad, BJP, Congress, AIUDF and other civil society organisations have also condemned the attacks.
