Assam communal clashes: CM orders probe, prohibitory orders issued in Hailakandi

The Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered a probe into the communal clashes that broke out in Hailakandi district on Friday.

Sonowal directed the additional chief secretary of the Assam government Rajib Bora to conduct an enquiry into the violent clashes.

Clashes broke out between two groups during the afternoon prayers outside a mosque on Friday in Marwaripatti of Hailakandi district. “The infuriated mob torched several motorbikes and vehicles, vandalising and ransacking several shops in the Hailakandi town. Massive stone pelting ensued between the two groups until the police resorted to a lathi-charge and fire tear gas shells to disperse agitators,” said Superintendent of Police, Hailakandi district, Mohneesh Mishra.

According to Mishra, as many as seven persons were injured including three policemen. Besides a huge contingent of state police, force from the Assam Rifles and central armed police force (CAPF) have also been deployed in the tensed area. On Friday afternoon, Assam forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya, ADG of Police, Mukesh Agarwal and Barak Valley Commissioner Anwar Hussain were rushed to the spot to contain the situation.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders have been issued in the Hailakandi district under section 144 CrPC. Curfew had been clamped from 1 pm of May 10, 2019 to 7am of May 12, 2019.