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This is an archive article published on December 26, 2014
Adivasis flee to Bengal, four camps set up
About 1,500 Adivasis from violence-hit Kokrajhar district in Assam have crossed over to bordering Kumargram block in West Bengal in the past two days. While a few have moved in with their relatives, the rest have been provided shelter in relief camps. So far, four relief camps have been set up in Purba Salbari, Balapara, […]
Adivasis stand guard outside a church in Assam’s Sonitpur district, where people have taken refuge to escape the militants. (Source: Express photo Dasarath Deka)
About 1,500 Adivasis from violence-hit Kokrajhar district in Assam have crossed over to bordering Kumargram block in West Bengal in the past two days. While a few have moved in with their relatives, the rest have been provided shelter in relief camps.
So far, four relief camps have been set up in Purba Salbari, Balapara, Changmari and Madhya Haldibari. The Balapara camp has become home to Rava Bodos, who were reportedly targeted by Bodos for not opposing the Adivasis.
Railway services may be thrown out of gear from Friday as Adivasis are planning an indefinite rail blockade to protest against the violence.
The Adivasis, who are also planning a bandh on December 27, have got support from the BJP, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in the area.
The block development office of Kumargram has arranged for drinking water. Warm clothes are also being arranged, though blankets are yet to reach the camps.
A medical team also visited the camp during the day, and attempts are on to provide essential medicines.
Superintendent of police Anup Jaiswal said he was awaiting a detailed report on the influx of refugees.
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, said, “The brutal mass killings of adivasis in Assam by armed extremists has deeply saddened me. I strongly condemn the mass killings. Many Adivasi families have started coming to our state for shelter. We have made arrangements to help them and will continue to do so. Today, on the day of Christmas, which symbolises peace and love, I appeal that ghastly acts of violence must be stopped.”
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