UKHRUL: A chaotic clash between the Bodo and Adivasi communities led to the death of two people and the temporary suspension of mobile data services in Kokrajhar and Chirang in West Assam, The Hindu reported.
According to The New Indian Express, the incident was triggered due to a road accident on Monday night when three Bodo men in a scorpio vehicle allegedly hit two Adivasi persons at Mansingh Road under the Karigaon police outpost.
The occupants of the vehicle were working related to a road construction project and were returning from an inspection. The occupants were then assaulted by villagers nearby who also set their vehicle on fire.
The mob attack killed Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit son-in-law of the contractor on Monday. Sunil Murmu (Adivasi), Mahesh Murmu (Adivasi), Jubiraj Bharma(Bodo) and Prabhat Brahma (Bodo) were all taken to Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital. Due to the injuries sustained, Sunil Murmu also died on Tuesday, The New Indian Express reported.
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According to The New Indian Express, Tension escalated on Tuesday as both communities took to the National Highway near Karigaon outpost, burning tyres and setting fire to a few houses. A government office was also torched, and the Karigaon police outpost was attacked.
To prevent further deterioration of law and order, RAF has been deployed in the area. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is currently in Davos attending the World Economic Forum. He added on X that he is in constant touch with senior officials of the state government and district administration ensuring that the situation returns to normal soon.
Assam Police also took on X stating that the situation is being surveilled. They appealed to the public not to fall prey to rumours or misinformation being spread by anti-national elements.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is drawn from publicly available sources and/or insights provided by the experts consulted.