Assam Death Toll crosses 75, Situation remains Tense

The ethnic violence in Assam continues unabated despite the intervention of Army, as the death toll has now crossed 75. Over 250 people are reportedly missing following the deadly attack by Bodo militants on Christian tribals in Kokrajhar and Ronitpur districts.

While 65 people were killed by Bodo militants, 10 more were reportedly killed in police firing and tribal crackdown on Bodo militants. The Assam Tea Tribes Student Association (ATTSA) are holding demonstrations across the state, triggering further tension. The Centre has deployed 5,000 additional paramilitary forces to deal with the situation.

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) faction, which carried out the attacks on tribals, is opposed to peace talks. Their heinous action resulted in retaliation from Adivasi people in Chirang district where Bodo people were attacked.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram are in Asaam to take stock of the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Assam CM Tarun Gogoi has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. However, the tribals in Assam demand peace and security, not money.