Two students killed in police firing in Assam

Two students were today killed when the police opened fire to quell a mob which set ablaze a government office in Barpeta district.

The activists belonging to the all Assam minority students unions were demanding that the updating of the national register of citizens be cancelled, the police said.

They said the students went on a rampage and torched the building in the premises of the deputy commissioner's office.

After a lathi charge failed to disperse the students, who also set fire to several vehicles and indulged in stone-throwing, the police opened fire, killing two students.

The mob then headed towards the main market and ransacked shops and business establishments following which the police and senior civil officers rushed to the area to ease tension.