Rekindling memories of the Nellie massacre a quarter century ago, violent clashes between Bodo tribals and migrant Muslims have claimed at least 30 lives — the unofficial count is over 50 dead — in the last three days in the north Assam districts of Udalguri and Darrang.

In village after village, houses have been torched and smoke columns are visible all around — in Rowta, Dalgaon, Kharupetia, Bhakatpara, Udalguri. People are fleeing in hundreds as the violence continues unchecked. Over 60,000 people, both Bodos and Muslims, have taken shelter in 32 relief camps in Udalguri district alone.

Shoot-at-sight orders have been issued while indefinite curfew has been clamped across Udalguri districts and parts of Darrang. “At least 30 people have died in the past three days. Five were killed today when security forces opened fire,” said Subhash Chandra Das, Principal Secretary (Home). There have been casualties on both sides, Bodos as well as Muslims, he said.

Though the initial clashes broke out between Bodo tribals and migrant Muslims, members of other communities, including Assamese and Bengali Hindus, have been equally affected. At least eleven columns of the Army have spread out in addition to five companies of Central paramilitary forces and Assam Police battalions.

Traffic on National Highway 52 — it runs through north Assam and provides access to Arunachal Pradesh — has been totally stopped between Mangaldoi and Dhekiajuli.

The state Government has suspended Udalguri SP Bijoy Kuligam while the Deputy Commissioner has been replaced.

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