Violence in BTAD continues

Guwahati, July 25: Violence from Kokrajhar has spread in and around the district all the way to the Bengal border. The death toll now stands at 32. Adding to the panic, 1,500 more paramilitary personnel have been rushed in with the orders to shoot at sight. While more than 80,000 people have been displaced, a majority of violence-hit people have been shifted to 42 relief camps. Meanwhile, Army on Wednesday staged flag march in Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang and Bongaigaon, for the first time ever since violence began four days ago. Train services to and from the North East have been severely hit. The railways estimated over 20,000 passengers stranded at different places across Assam and neighbouring West Bengal; and as many as 21 trains have been halted. However, a few trains were allowed to ply from. Joint Secretary for North East of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambhu Singh, on Wednesday visited Kokrajhar and Chirang districts to take stock of the situation. On the other hand, the Joint Secretary said that the centre will investigate the validity of Hagrama Mohilary’s comment that Bangladeshi immigrants instigated violence in the region. However, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is in touch with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi regarding the situation in the violence-hit districts and has promised all help, including Army and additional security forces, if required.