Not enough police force initially: Chidambaram on Assam violence

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Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday admitted there was not enough police force to stem the ethnic violence in Assam when it was in its initial stages.

"There was not enough police force on ground initially when first violence erupted on July 19 but subsequently the security forces came and the situation was brought under control," Chidambaram told a press conference here after a day-long visit to relief camps in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts.

"It is a matter of great regret and sadness that violence erupted but in the last 72 hours no fresh violence has taken place and the government of Assam has taken control of the situation," Chidambaram said.

The state's Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, had recently sought to point the finger at the Centre for escalation of violence and resultant casualties due to delayed arrival of security forces. Chidambaram said he had reviewed the latest situation with senior government officials and noted there was unanimity among the displaced persons that they all want to go back to their homes.

"It is a good sign that everyone told me that he or she wants to return to their homes as early as possible. The Prime Minister visited the state recenly and the (relief) package announced is quite generous..it will help the victims rebuild their homes," he said.

The minister denied media reports that there was death of inmates in the camps and shortage of food materials. "There is absolutely no shortage of food stuff, drinking water and clothing," he insisted.

Asked if there was any intelligence failure in the conflict, Chidambaram replied in the negative. The minister said 56 persons died in the clashes between minority immigrants and Bodo tribals.

Assam 'most complex'

He also said that Assam is the 'most complex state' administered in the country as people of various groups live here.

"Assam is perhaps the most complex state administered in the country because people of various ethnicity lives together. People of the country must learn to live together as India is a plural society," he told reporters here.

"When conflict erupts, it becomes very difficult but the current problem has been contained. The Centre is fully behind Assam government," he said.

"We must learn to live together. The border of Assam with the neighbouring country is a difficult border but I will like to state that the number of illegal migrants coming into the state has come down," he said.

The Home Minister is scheduled to visit Dhubri district, another violence-affected area on Tuesday.