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Deadly clashes spark Assam curfew http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4703262.stm | ||
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Indian army troops have been deployed and a curfew imposed after clashes in the north-eastern state of Assam. On Friday, two policemen and five demonstrators were killed during a riot in Kakopathar, in Tinsukia district. Police said they opened fire to disperse a crowd protesting against the death in custody of a man suspected of having links with separatists. United Liberation Front of Assam rebels have been fighting for a separate Assamese homeland for nearly 30 years. 'Self-defence' Authorities imposed a curfew in Kakopathar and many adjoining areas, as tension spread with news of the police firing. According to police, thousands of protesters had converged on a police station and tried to burn it down. "The mob was advancing on the local police station, forcing security forces to fire in self-defence," district police superintendent Debojit Hazarika was quoted by the Associated Press as saying. Five demonstrators were killed in the shooting. The angry mob is then said to have killed two policemen. The crowd was protesting at the death of Ajit Mahanta, who is believed to have links with Ulfa rebels. Mr Mahanta died in military custody last week. Three army officials have faced disciplinary action over his death. More than 10,000 people have died in the rebel group's fight for a separate homeland. On Monday, Ulfa representatives held talks with senior Indian officials, after which the government said it would consider releasing some detained rebels and look into human rights complaints. |
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