Assamese call for end to Bodo violence India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Anger is building up in Assam against atrocities committed by militants of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). Recently these militants attacked Bhimajuli village in Sonitpur district, gunning down 12 persons. They left 15 injured and seven of them are still in a critical condition in Biswanath Chariali hospital. "We were inside the house, we heard gunshots. Then we went to check. They started firing indiscriminately. My brother, father and aunt were shot," "We appeal to the Central Government and the Assam State Government to punish the culprits at the earliest and to wipe out militants from the area so as to bring peace in the land. This is what the people desire for," said Mahinder, a social worker in Assam Family members of the 12 killed were cremated at Bhimajuli Balichang area in Sonitpur district. The incident has evoked statewide condemnation. A statewide bandh (closure) was called by several civil organizations to protest the killings. Security Forces are trying to nab the militants involved in the killings.