DIPHU, Aug 2 � Violence continued unabated across the Karbi Anglong district for the third day today demanding a separate State, even as four persons were injured when police resorted to firing to bring the situation under control at Dongkamukam.
Meanwhile, the district administration has issued a shoot-at-sight order this evening in a bid to halt further destruction of railway properties by angry protesters. Curfew was also imposed at Diphu and Bokajan for an indefinite period.
Violence started at Dongkamukam in west Karbi Anglong this morning when around 300 men and women gheraoed the Dongkamukam Police Station demanding immediate release of seven persons detained for inciting violence. The mob soon turned violent and police initially resorted to lathicharge to disperse them. This, instead, led to further violence as the agitators started to pelt stones at the police personnel, causing injuries to 11 of them, including the Circle Inspector Mukul Saikia. The police then opened several rounds of fire, critically injuring four agitators - Longbi Teron, William Bey, Chandra Teron and Borsing Ronghang. The injured were referred to Nagaon and Hojai for treatment.
It may be mentioned that the Army staged flag-marches at Diphu town today.
A Maruti Gipsy (AS-09/3281) and a forest beat office were burnt down at Sikarighat and Bakaliaghat town near Bakaliaghat police station by some miscreants.
Meanwhile, a security review meeting was held today at the Diphu Circuit House where SN Signha, IGP, Assam police, PK Buragohain, DC and newly appointed Superintendent of Police Mukdhajyoti Mahanta and other senior military and paramilitary officers were present.
Violence continued at Diphu, Bokajan and Hamren subdivisions where government as well as individual properties was destroyed.
A forest office at Taralangso, two veterinary offices and two inspection bungalows of PHE and Irrigation Departments at Panditghat and Dengaon under Howraghat LAC were also set ablaze.
Meanwhile, a 600-metre portion of railway line was uprooted by the protesters at Langsoliat, between the Diphu and Borlangpher rail stations, causing temporary suspension of rail services.
Moreover, around 200 mature rubber plants near Diphu, owned by MP Biren Sing Engti, were cut down and a house of the caretaker of the garden was set ablaze by some miscreants.
In several places under Bokajan subdivision, a number of government offices, including those of ICDS, NILIP and Postal Department, were set afire.
Tension also prevailed at Diphu following the arrest of seven members of the Karbi Students� Association (Engleng faction), including its president Laichan Engleng and finance secretary Sander Teron.
Several organizations, like All India Karbi National Association and Karbi Student Youth Council (KSYC) demanded unconditional release of the arrested student leaders and threatened of a vigorous agitation if the arrested student leaders are not released.
Four persons, allegedly involved in arson, were also arrested from Center Bazaar last night by Uttarborbil police under Howraghat police station.
