Sh. Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Home Minister made a statement in the Rajya Sabha today in reply to the discussions on violence in Assam:-
“Hon’ble Chairman, it is with a deep sense of anguish, I speak about the unfortunate incidents of violence which took place in Kokrajhar,Chirang, Dhubri and Bongaigaon Districts in Assam from 6th July 2012 and onwards.
As per report received from the Government of Assam there was simmering tension between Bodo and non-Bodo communities of BodolandTerritorial Area
District (BTAD) on various socio-political issues. The background of the recent spate of violence may be attributed to the incidents which took place mainly between 6th July 2012 and 19th and 20th July 2012.
District (BTAD) on various socio-political issues. The background of the recent spate of violence may be attributed to the incidents which took place mainly between 6th July 2012 and 19th and 20th July 2012.
On July 6, 2012 Kamtapuri Liberation Organisation terrorists fired indiscriminately at Muslimpara Gaon under Gossaigaon Police Station killing two persons belonging to Muslim community and injuring three persons. One KLO terrorist was arrested in connection with the case registered in this regard. Though this was communicated to the Muslim people of the area, it was not believed by them and they strongly suspected the hands ofBodo miscreants in the incident.
On July 19, 2012 unknown motorcycle borne miscreants fired indiscriminately in front of the residence of Mahibul Haque Ratul and Md. Abu Siddique both of Vill - Magurmari and office-bearers of All Bodoland Muslim Student’s Union (ABMSU), thereby injuring them seriously.
On July 20, 2012 at around 8.25 pm four Bodo youth while coming from Bhatipara side towards Kokrajhar on two motorcycles at Jaipurunder Kokrajhar PS were attacked by some unidentified Muslim youths with sharp weapons as a result of which they died on the spot.
The communal incidents started in full swing after this particular incident of killing of four Bodo youths. Initially the incidents were concentrated in Kokrajhar District but later on due to Bandh call given by ABMSU and All Assam Muslim Students Union (AAMSU) on July 23, 2012, the tension spread to the adjoining districts of Dhubri and Chirang as well.Further violence again took place in the districts of Kokrajhar and Chirang on 5th and 6th August 2012 resulting in the death of eight persons and injuries to two persons.
No major incident of violence was reported between 24th July, 2012 to 4th August, 2012. Fresh violence was reported on 5th and 6thAugust 2012 in Kokrajhar and Chirang Districts resulting in death of eight persons and injuries to two persons. Four more decomposed dead bodies were recovered on 7th August and 8th August, 2012 in Kokrajhar District.
As on 08.8.2012, the violence has taken a toll of 77 lives with another 50 injured (including 14 police personnel), and seven missing, affecting 244 villages, 47,936 families and 5,367 houses burnt as per preliminary reports so far. The State Government had set up 340 relief camps for affected families.
As soon as my Ministry came to know about the disturbances in Assam, 14 additional companies of CAPF were immediately rushed as against 10 demanded by the State. Additional Forces continued to get deployed on a daily basis till the number of additional companies reached 65. Some of these companies were airlifted. The Cabinet Secretary took a meeting and teams of doctors were sent to the affected areas. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist the District Administration, Kokrajhar in relief operations. Flag March by Army and patrolling by Assam police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is continuing in the affected areas.
Over 170 persons indulging in violence/arsons etc. have been arrested so far by security forces. 309 cases have been registered in connection with ethnic violence. Special Investigation Team (SIT) with ADGP (CID) as over all in-charge has been constituted to investigate six important cases.
Comprehensive security plan has been chalked out to provide fool proof security to the affected population. 104 fixed police pickets have been proposed in vulnerable villages of which 99 have been established. They have been given responsibility of ensuring security for the affected villages.
A number of Civil and Police officers have been deputed from other districts to assist the District Administration in maintenance of law & order, relief operation and other related issues. Senior Officers have also been deputed from the State Headquarters to supervise the relief operation.
The State Government has been providing minimum basic amenities to the relief camp inmates including Gratuitous Relief (GR), health and sanitation. Food materials (Rice, Dal, Mustard Oil and salt) including baby food, clothes for the adults (Lungi, Saree, Gamcha) and children’s dress , candle, soap, mosquito repellent coil, toothpaste, tarpouline, medical facilities, drinking water etc have been provided to the relief camps/inmates. Adequate ex-gratia grant and rehabilitation grant will be provided to the persons affected by the violence.
Present status of relief and rehabilitation measures indicates that during the peak time 340 relief camps were established with over 4,80,000 inmates. As on August 8, 2012, 239 relief camps with 3,41,930 (approx.) inmates are running. 101 relief camps have been closed and over 1,44,000persons have returned to their villages.
Hon’ble Prime Minister and my predecessor visited violence affected areas on 28th July and 30th – 31st July, 2012 respectively. I am closely monitoring the Security Situation in Assam.
Government strongly condemns the acts of depredation in Assam. Leaders of both the communities have been requested to intervene in the matter for restoration of normalcy in the area.
CBI will take over certain cases wherein conspiracy seems to be involved for investigations. For this purpose, Additional Director, CBI and Joint Secretary, North East, MHA, are deputed to Guwahati today.
The Central Government is providing all possible assistance to the Government of Assam to control the violence and rehabilitation of affected families”.
In addition to the above statement, Home Minister also answered certain issues raised by the Hon’ble Members in the House.
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