BAKSA/KOKRAJHAR, May 3 � Tension continues to prevail in the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) areas with the official toll rising up to 28 following the recovery of eight bullet-riddled bodies in Baksa district this morning, even as police arrested 29 suspects in connection with the killings.
The bodies recovered this morning included women and children of Nonk Khagrabari village. The deceased have been identified as Matled Ali (6 month), Hasna Bewa (65), Aisul Islam (8), Ilina Khatun (4), Joygon Nessa (7), Joyful Khutun (8), Ariful Islam (7) and Marzina Khatun (32).
Baksa has been the worst affected district which has so far witnessed killing of 21 persons since May 1 when violence erupted following death of three persons at Narsongbari village.
People from affected areas, like Nonk Khagrabari village and Narayanguri village, were seen moving to safer places with their children.
Curfew continues to be in force in Baksa district along with Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. However, curfew was relaxed for between 3 and 4 hours in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts, respectively, this afternoon.
In Kokrajhar district, too, villagers of Jaoliapara, Duramari, Baghbari and a few adjacent villages were seen moving to safer places.
IGP (BTAD) LR Bishnoi told The Assam Tribune that 10 additional companies of security forces have been deployed in BTAD along with Dhubri district.
No fresh incidents of violence was reported in the last 12 hours, Bishnoi added.
He also said that inputs available have indicated toward involvement of NDFB(S) in the violence.
Meanwhile, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary told The Assam Tribune that the violence should not be linked with the recently held polls and it is purely a case of the NDFB(S) faction retaliating against the killing of three of its cadres.
He said that the situation in BTAD is under control and normalcy will return in a day or two.
Our Kokrajhar Correspondent adds: Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police AK Rout held a high level meeting today at Kokrajhar Police Guest House with the officials of district police administration, paramilitary and Army officials to tighten security in the BTAD to prevent further violence.
Our Jalah Correspondent adds: Around 500 villagers of Nonk Khagrabari and Narayanguri have taken shelter at a temporary relief camp at Gobordona. Sources also said three children, who escaped the massacred, were rescued this morning from nearby area.
Security measures have been intensified in the area. Army, police and paramilitary forces have been patrolling the streets to thwart any more violence. The Army has also been staging flag marches in the violence-hit areas to instill confidence among people and to bring the situation under control.
