Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has announced that the state government will seek a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the recent incidents of violence along the Assam - Nagaland border in the wake of the kidnapping of two young men allegedly by Naga militants on June 26.
The decision was taken after the chief minister's meeting with a joint delegation of seven organizations over the matter.
The first priority of the state government was to restore peace in the affected areas and to ensure that the displaced people are returned to their homes, a government press release said.
The Chief Minister also said the probe instituted by the government at the Additional Chief Secretary level and judicial inquiry would try and establish the truth behind the incidents including police excesses if any.
Mr Gogoi also assured the delegation that the government was mulling over setting up a Border Protection Force and Border Development Council apart from providing jobs under MGNERGA to the affected people so that they could eke out their livelihood, the release said.
The government would also urge the Supreme Court for early settlement of the vexed border issue, Mr Gogoi told the delegation.
Further, the Chief Minister also sought the delegation's cooperation in the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the trouble-torn area. Adequate rehabilitation measures like food and medicine would be provided to people in the violence affected areas, the chief minister assured the delegation.
The representatives of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), All Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU), Assam Tea Tribes' Students Association (ATTSA), All Adivasi Student Association of Assam (AASAA) and SC Students' Union were among those who took part in the discussions.
Meanwhile in Golaghat, a relaxed curfew is in place between 6 am and 12 noon. The National Highway 37, which runs from Panchratna near Goalpara district in Assam to Roing in Arunachal Pradesh, has been completely opened for commuters after a partial blockade.
At least 10,000 people have been displaced in the clashes along the Assam - Nagaland border, which surrounds a 50-year-old dispute over a piece of land. Both Naga and Assamese people lay claim to the disputable piece of land. The Centre has exhorted both Assam and Nagaland governments to evolve a joint mechanism of dealing with the crisis.