Long-standing tensions
between the predominant Bodo tribes people and minority migrant Muslim
settlers erupted into bloodshed nearly a week ago and has largely
gripped the province's Kokrajhar district, which borders on neighboring
Bhutan to India's north, said Assam police chief J.N. Chaudhury.
What sparked the mayhem
is not yet known and under investigation, he said. But it has resulted
in incidences of attacks and counter attacks between the two groups, CNN
sister network CNN-IBN has reported.
Five of those killed died
when police fired on mobs engaging in rioting and arson, according to
Chaudhury, who said that the district had witnessed similar fighting in
the 1990s and the early 2000s.
"For now, our priority is to stop the violence and arson. It may take some days to rebuild trust," he said.
Peace committees were set up between tribal and migrant communities when clashes erupted in the past, Chaudhury said.
The Assam region, known
around the world for its tea production, is also a major petroleum
supplier, but the region has remained particularly poor.
For now, our priority is to stop the violence and arson
J.N. Chaudhury, Assam police chief
J.N. Chaudhury, Assam police chief
India is known for its
diverse mixture of cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds, which at
times has led to conflict between groups.
Assam has a high
concentration of extremist groups of varying backgrounds, reflecting a
checkerboard of ethnic and political interests. But police have not
blamed any insurgent group in this week's violence, citing instead
rioting mobs
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