|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
By Category |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
India On Media |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Politics
News |
|
| Assam poll violence: |
| Assam poll violence: Toll rises to 19 after overnight clashes, fresh police firing; curfew imposed
|
| INDIA
, 13-February-2013
5:15:39 AM |
| Three more people have died in police firing in Assam's Goalpara district, taking the death toll in the last one day to 19. Thirteen people have died in police firing and six in clashes, which continued overnight between the Rabha Hajong tribe, which is opposing the ongoing panchayat or local elections, and members of other communities.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said curfew had been declared in two places and a judicial inquiry would be ordered to find out if the protests against the elections were instigated.
"Violence was reported in 22 places. I agree the security preparations for the elections could have been better. I take full responsibility (for the violence)," Mr Gogoi said.
Assam Home Secretary Gyanendra Tripathi said eight columns of the Army, which is about 500 soldiers, have been deployed to help the police and paramilitary personnel maintain order in Goalpara, around 120 kilometres from state capital Guwahati. Top state police officials are in the district and are monitoring operations. The situation is under control in Goalpara town.
The police said it has had to open fire because members of the Rabha Hajong tribe were burning down villages and attacking government officials. Most shops and other establishments have been closed with violence hitting the area; houses have been burned and roads blocked by trees.
The Rabha tribe wants autonomy in this part of the state and rejects government control. It believes that panchayats or village councils will undermine its own council's authority. But the district has reported 60 per cent voting in the final phase of the panchayat elections.
Mr Gogoi defended the elections and criticised the Opposition for blaming the government and not those who were disrupting the elections.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVERTISEMENTS
Free offer!!! Become an administrator for your zip home page, "Post" local news (local to your postcode)& pictures, "Post" advertisement banners from local companies. Make Extra money.
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
|
