The Home Minister Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde today informed the Rajya Sabha that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun its enquiry into the incidents of violence in parts of Assam. Replying to a Short Duration discussion on the subject, Mr Shinde said the government is seriously looking into the matter and asked the people not to give communal angle. He appealed to the groups involved in the violent incidents to maintain peace.
The Home Minister also enumerated the steps taken by the Centre in close association with the Assam Government to restore normalcy in the affected areas. He said a comprehensive plan has been devised for the security of the people. He said the Army has been asked to remain stand-by. He said so far 170 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence in the affected areas. He said 309 cases have been registered against the people involved in the violent incidents. The Minister said so far over one lakh fifty thousand people have returned to their homes. He said elaborate arrangements have been made for relief and rehabilitation measures.
Earlier, the Leader of Opposition, Mr Arun Jaitley held congress party responsible for the disturbances in the North Eastern states,
particularly Assam. He alleged that there has been a shift in the Congress party's stand to strengthen its vote bank approach. He asked the government to enforce the Foreigners Act to stop illegal immigrants into the country.