In Assam, miscreants torched down houses and shops at some places in violence hit areas last night. Inspector General of Police, L R Bishnoi told AIR that around 15 houses were partially damaged in the incident in Lower Assam. He said security forces caught 3 miscreants red handed while trying to burn a tea factory in Kokrajhar district. Meanwhile, death toll has gone up to 77 in recent violence. Senior police officials said 44 people lost their lives in Sonitpur, 30 in Kokrajhar and 3 in Chirang districts. Official sources indicated that tough action will be taken against the leaders of the Bodo outfit involved in recent killings.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officials of Home Ministry yesterday visited Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts. Mr. Singh announced an NIA probe into the violence. He also assured to take strict action against National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit group) militants involved in recent killings. Over 14 thousand people have taken shelter at relief camps in 4 districts. Angry inmates of a relief camp yesterday heckled Deputy Speaker of the state assembly. Curfew continues in many areas and the army is staging flag march. Bus services affected today due to the bandh called by some organization protesting the killings. Some organizations including the BJP and Asom Gana Parishad have also demanded President’s rule in the state alleging that state has failed to maintain law and order situation.