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PM directs CM to control violence

By Spl CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI, July 24 � The escalating tensions in BTC areas has caught the Centre unawares, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday reviewing the situation prevailing in Assam and directing Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to ensure control of violence.

Even as an anxious Centre kept a close tab on developments in Assam, angry protestors belonging to the minority community staged demonstration in front of Assam Bhavan here demanding Central intervention. They raised slogans against the Chief Minister and Bodoland chief Hagrama Mohilary.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister called the Chief Minister this morning and took stock of the situation. �The Prime Minister has directed him to do everything possible to control the situation and to enusre adequate relief and rehabilitation of the affected," a spokesperson in the Prime Minister's Office said.

The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister about the steps taken by the State Government in the areas, where clashes between Bodos and minority community have taken place.

Meanwhile, Union Home Secretary RK Singh told newsmen here that 29 companies of Central Para-military Force (CPMF) have been sent to Assam. At least 14 companies were sent yesterday and the day before and 15 more companies were rushed today. Apart from that there is a unit of the army there, he added.

The Centre has also asked Joint Secretary (North-east) Shambhu Singh to rush to Assam. �I have been in touch with the DGP and Chief Secretary from day one. I have spoken to the leaders of the Bodos and Muslims and I have told the State Government that anything more they require would be given,� he said.

Meanwhile, agitated demonstrators gheraoed Assam Bhavan for over three hours here this afternoon, with angry protestors demanding immediate restoration of peace in the BTC areas. The demonstrators claimed that they hailed from Assam and were residing in different parts of Delhi.

Palpable tension prevailed as the agitators numbering over 300 initially refused to end their demonstration until violence was controlled in Assam.

A memorandum, submitted to the office of Resident Commissioner, called for Central intervention.

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