Tarun Gogoi asks security forces to deal firmly with BTAD situation

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi sought assistance of the Army and instructed state police to deal firmly with the situation after 11 persons were killed by the NDFB(S) militants in BTAD areas last night.

At a meeting with top civil and police officials here, Gogoi asked state police to nab militants involved in the incidents and bring the situation under control, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office (CMO) said.

"The Chief Minister sought the assistance of the Army and para-military forces to deal with the situation. Meanwhile the Army has staged flag marches to instill confidence among the people in the violence-affected places and to bring the situation under control," the statement said.

"The government will do everything possible to frustrate the nefarious designs of the insurgents out to create terror and to apprehend them at the earliest," he said.

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde called up the Chief Minister who briefed him about the incidents this morning, it said.

Stating the Home Minister assured all help and support to the state government in bringing the situation to normality, the statement said Shinde promised Gogoi that additional companies would be rushed in to reinforce security in the violence-hit places in particular and BTAD in general.

Meanwhile, the state Home Department has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to deploy additional 10 companies of security forces in the affected areas of BTAD.

At least 11 persons were killed last night that include four at Narsingbari under Baksa district and seven at Balapara Tulsibil under Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district.

"We are organising the local people (in the BTAD area) to help the security forces in maintaining law and order," DGP Khagen Sarma told reporters after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the ruling Congress, opposition BJP, the All Minority Students Union (AMSU), All Bodo Minority Students Union (ABMSU) and several other organisations have condemned the killings and urged the people to maintain peace.

The anti-talk ULFA-Independent has also condemned the violence.