Ground report: Assam on the edge, 44 dead

Guwahati: Clashes between Bodos and minority immigrants in the four Assam districts have continued for the fifth day in a row. The violence has been by and large contained but sporadic clashes were reported from Baksa, near Nalbari in lower Assam.

As many as 44 people have died and over two lakh in almost 400 villages have been displaced in the violence in the state.

Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed in Kokrajhar on Thursday, but three other districts of Dhubri, Chirang and Bongaigaon continue to be tense.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi conducted a survey of relief camps and met refugees while the Army has also conducted flag marches. State police, BSF and CRPF personnel are also patrolling affected areas.

Refugees who fled their villages are now staying in temporary relief camps set up in government schools and public buildings. They fear that if they go back, violence may erupt again.

"We don't have food, water or a house. We are staying at the relief camp," said a victim.

Recalling the violence, another victim said, "We were taking rest after lunch on Saturday when some miscreants came and attacked our village."

Thousands of people have escaped from their villages and most of their houses have been burnt down. They have taken shelter in temporary relief camp.

The people are still living in fear despite the army conducting flag marches and the paramilitary forces being present in the areas.

In his defence, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said, "Since three districts have been affected, it is wrong to say Assam is burning."

Gogoi surveyed the area on Thursday, five days after the violence erupted.

As the Congress government in Assam comes under fire for not being able to prevent and control the clashes in time, Home Secretary R K Singh said the Prime Minister would visit Kokrajhar on Saturday.

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