Kokrajhar: The situation in violence-hit Kokrajhar district has now become relatively calm. To bring the situation under control, the Army has started flag marches. Along with the Army, personnel of the Rapid Action Force are also participating in these flag marches and making efforts to maintain law and order (Kokrajhar Violence Situation).
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Imposed in Kokrajhar
Following a situation that turned tense over an accidental incident, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been in force in Kokrajhar district since Tuesday and continues to remain effective. After the death of a Bodo youth, protest programmes in Karigaon later escalated into violent incidents. As the law-and-order situation went out of control, the District Magistrate of Kokrajhar imposed Section 163 under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the district from Tuesday, and it is still in force.
Under this order, the gathering of four or more persons has been prohibited, riding double on two-wheelers is banned, and strict restrictions have been imposed on sit-ins, road and rail blockades, processions or rallies, and carrying firearms, sticks, or sharp weapons.
1,240 People in Relief Camps
In the aftermath of the violent incidents, around 1,240 people from the district are currently staying in relief camps. Following an accident and the subsequent lynching that led to the death of a Bodo youth, a tense and violent situation arose, creating the possibility of communal clashes between the Bodo and Adivasi communities.
On one hand, members of the Bodo community allegedly attacked houses belonging to the Adivasi community, while on the other hand, Adivasi groups reportedly set fire to Bodo houses. Seven houses of the Bodo community were set ablaze in Narmukhapara, while one Bodo house was burned in Bauraguri.
As a result, fearing for their lives, hundreds of Adivasi families have taken shelter in relief camps. While more than 400 families have taken refuge at Karigaon High School, about 60 Bodo families have sheltered at the primary school in Bhawraguri under Audang market area. People from villages such as Denugarsing Para, Udalguri, Langkapara, Bauraguri, Sonapara and others are staying in the relief camps.
Situation Being Monitored by Senior Police Officials
Senior police officials are closely monitoring the entire situation in Kokrajhar district. Inspector General of Police Akhilesh Singh, along with BTC in-charge Inspector General Vivekraj Singh, is supervising the law-and-order situation. According to senior police officials, strict legal action will be taken against anyone who attempts to disturb law and order.
The police have appealed to the public not to believe in rumours and to return to their respective homes, assuring that police security will be provided.
Meanwhile, senior police officer Akhilesh Singh Yadav has urged the public to maintain faith in the police. He stated that peace meetings are also being organised by the district administration. Vehicular movement on National Highway 27 is continuing uninterrupted.
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