Violence erupts in Goalpara district of Assam after declaration of polls to Rabha council

GOALPARA: Violence has erupted in Goalpara district following announcement of election to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council with a school and two vehicles set ablaze in different places today, while an indefinite bandh has affected normal life.

A lower primary school at Puthimari was burnt down during the bandh called since yesterday by the Garo National Council and 10 non-Rabha organisations, official sources said.

At Kasomari and Torangthap two mini buses and a car were also set ablaze, they said.

Garo and non-Rabha people armed with sharp weapons and rods took to the roads protesting against the upcoming polls demanding the non-Rabha villages be excluded from the Council.

The bandh called from 5 AM yesterday affected normal life in the Garo and non-Rabha areas of the district.

The Council polls were announced on Friday in three phases between November 13 and 25.