DIPHU, July 31 � Thirteen people were injured as police resorted to firing and curfew was subsequently clamped in Diphu town for an indefinite period today as violence erupted immediately after the report of the Congress Working Committee�s recommendation for creation of a separate Telangana state was out.
A large number of activists representing different Karbi student organisations as well as Congress student wing NSUI, locked the main gate of the KAAC secretariat office. The situation gradually worsened with the police failing to bring it under control.
The irate mob attacked the KAAC garage and burnt down five government buses. A number of vehicles on the road were also set on fire by the mob.
The private residences of Biren Sing Engti, MP and Parliamentary Secretary, Bidhyasing Engleng besides the official quarters of several KAAC executive members, including that of CEM Joyram Engleng, were also damaged.
As the irate crowd became uncontrollable, the police resorted to lathi-charge. Later the men in uniform were compelled to fire several rounds in the air. About 13 protesters reportedly received bullet injury. Four of them are stated to be in critical condition. They have been referred to Guwahati for better treatment. The other injured protesters were admitted to the Diphu Civil Hospital. Unofficial reports however put the number of injured at 20.
Police informed that the situation was under control. The district administration, while clamping an indefinite curfew in the town, has sought more security forces to maintain law and order in Karbi Anglong.
On the other hand, a 100-hour Karbi Anglong strike has been called by the HSDP starting from August 5.
