Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Guwahati, January 02:
Lower Assam district of Goalpara on Wednesday witnessed violent clashes resulting in the death of four persons and injury to 10 others.
Hundreds of non-tribals attacked police vehicles and poll officials while they were carrying the polling material for the next phase of Panchayat polls in the State.
The non-tribal of the area is demanding polls within the autonomous council area, which has been excluded from the panchayat election after the tribal of the area vehemently opposed the holding of the poll in the area.
The tribals of the area organized several protest to press for holding the elections of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council.
These bodies argued that first the polls to the council must be held than only other polls can take place.
About 17 people including women were injured in a December clash between Rabhas who were demanding exclusion of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council from holding panchayat election.
After this the State Cabinet decided to defer the polls, however now the whole issue has taken a U turn as the non tribals of the area want local self body polls.
They felt they were being deprived of the democratic rights by the decision of not holding the election.
Goalpara Superintendent of Police, T Bora said the violence occurred in and around Lakhipur area and Goalpara town.
Police had to resort to fire when protestors went out of control and started attacking police personnel and poll officials.
Police vehicles were set on fire by the protestors and attempted to set ablaze a nearby police station.
Sources said, "The situation has been brought under control but tension runs high.
The injured were shifted to local hospitals for treatment.
The situation became volatile when the crowd of protestors mobbed policemen and poll officials," he said.
A part of Goalpara district, which outside autonomous council will go to the second phase of panchayat poll along with 15 subdivisions in Lower and Central Assam districts on Friday.