5 days post mayhem, Assam still tense

The state, however, had some respite on Thursday after three consecutive days8217; bandhs, first a 36-hour bandh called by the All Adivasi Students8217; Association of Assam AASAA, and then a 24-hour bandh called by the All Assam Santhal Students8217; Union. Public transport in the state moved for the first time in a week on Thursday, while people stranded in different places were able to return to their places after four days.

However, on Thursday too, stray incidents of violence were reported from some districts.

The AASAA members submitted memoranda in different districts and sub-divisions seeking to know the whereabouts of some of its missing members and release of some leaders arrested in connection with Saturday8217;s violence.

The AASAA has released a list of 32 persons from as many as five districts who have allegedly gone missing since the mayhem, and fixed a deadline of 48 hours for the government to find them out or provide their whereabouts.

The list of 32 includes names of seven women and young girls, who, the AASAA claimed, had not returned home after Saturday8217;s rally at Beltola, a locality near the state capital complex of Dispur.

AASAA president Justin Lakra said volunteers had come from as many as 15 districts for the rally. 8220;We have right now released a list of 32 persons who have been reported missing from only five districts. More people are missing, and we are still collecting information from different villages in the remaining districts,8221; Lakra said.

Meanwhile, the Assam Government shunted out Rajen Singh, Additional SP of Guwahati City. He is the fifth officer to face action in the past three days after Saturday8217;s violence.