Protests against attacks on villagers by Bodo rebels in Sonitpur district of Assam (Agence France-Presse photo)
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today termed the serial attacks by NDFB(S) on the tribal community across the state as 'most heinous, most cowardly and most barbaric' and said the government will deal with the militant outfit 'very firmly'.
Addressing a press conference here, Gogoi said he will request Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is scheduled to visit the state, to launch a joint operation by army, paramilitary forces and Assam Police to flush out militants.
"The killing of innocent people by NDFB(S) militants is most heinous, most cowardly and most barbaric. We strongly condemn it...Assam and the central governments will not surrender to insurgents," he said.
Terming the current situation 'very critical', Gogoi said, "These (militants) forces must be curbed and such violence cannot be allowed to continue. We will deal with NDFB(S) very firmly."
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh had spoken to him and assured all help in dealing with the situation.
"The Centre is sending an additional 55 companies of para military forces, of which 20 are reaching in the next two days. I have already spoken to senior officials of the army and requested launch of an operation against the militant outfit," he said.
The Union Home Minister was requested to talk to the army on launching the operation, he said.
Violence escalated in Assam today as the toll in yesterday's carnage by NDFB(S) militants rose to 65 with tribals retaliating by torching houses and attacking a police station during protests that left three persons dead allegedly in police firing.
The militants have been indulging in violence in Assam and fleeing to Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, besides Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, making it difficult for Assam Police to arrest them
Asked if a joint operation would be launched against NDFB(S), Gogoi said, "The militants take shelter both within and outside the country. I will discuss the issue with the Home Minister and a strategy will be decided."
"Something like 'Operation All Clear' is needed," he said.
Operation All Clear was a military offensive conducted by Royal Bhutan Army against Assam insurgent groups like ULFA and NDFB in 2003. India provided logistic support to Bhutan, including evacuation of its injured army personnel in the operation.
Rajnath Singh and his deputy Kiren Rijiju are scheduled to arrive here today to take stock of the situation.
Gogoi said the prime focus of his government now is to provide treatment to the injured and contain the situation from deteriorating further.
"Our aim is to restore peace and see that the situation does not escalate further. We are cautious that it does not turn into a communal clash. Inspite of provocations, we have
to maintain restraint," he said.
The serial attacks by suspected NDFB(S) militants last night occurred at six places in Sonitpur, Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam.
Around 2,500 people have fled their homes and are staying in relief camps, Gogoi said.