Meghalaya sounds alert following Assam clashes

Written by Writer on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

Meghalaya sounds alert following Assam clashes

IST,PTI

SHILLONG: Meghalaya government has sounded an alert following the reported death of at least six Garo tribals in the ongoing clashes between tribal Bodos and immigrants in Lower Assam that has claimed over 50 lives so far.

Official sources said the directions have been given to the administration in areas having mixed population, particularly the districts bordering Assam.

The alert has been prompted out of fear of a backlash. Yesterday, Meghalaya Finance Minister Conrad Sangma led a delegation to Udalguri and Darrang districts of Assam and asked the government of the neighbouring state to take adequate rehabilitation and security measures.

Categorically blaming the Assam Government for failing to check the violence, Sangma also expressed concern over the hoisting of a Pakistani flag in Udalguri last week.

“The Gogoi government could have done much more to stop the violence. The violence continued because of the carelessness of the government,” Sangma accused.

Sangma, also the Meghalaya government spokesperson, is expected to brief Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy on the visit and discuss if the government could provide relief to the riot-hit villagers.