The death toll in the poll violence in Goalpara district has gone up to 19 with three more people were killed in police firing on Wednesday.
Thirteen people have died in police firing and six in clashes between the Rabha Hajong tribe, which is opposing the ongoing panchayat or local elections, and members of other communities.
The police said that they had to take resort to firing to disperse the an irate mob of Rabha Hajong people who burnt down villages and attacked government officials. They wanted autonomy in this part of the state and rejects government control. It believes that panchayats or village councils will undermine its own council's authority.
Eight columns of the Army, which is about 500 soldiers, have been deployed to help the police and paramilitary personnel maintain order in Goalpara. Senior officials are in the district and are monitoring operations. The situation is under control in Goalpara town.
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