Tension is running high in restive northeastern Indian state of Assam following the killing of four Muslim traders allegedly by Bodo tribal militants in Baksa district.
The bodies of four persons, including two minors, who were abducted by National Democratic Front of Bodoland militants were recovered from a nearby river, triggering massive protests in the area and prompting authorities to impose curfew in twin districts of Baksa and Barpeta. The horrific incident comes nearly two months after 45 Muslims were killed and thousands were rendered homeless in Bodoland Territorial Council-administered districts where Bodo ethnic tribes are demanding a separate state called Bodoland, despite being in minority. The region has seen several violent clashes in the past between Muslims and Bodo ethnic group, who accuse the former of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.Observers believe the violence against Muslims is politically motivated. They say the perpetrators have been let off and that has encouraged more violence and given rise to culture of impunity in the region. Talking to Press TV, Assam's minister for border areas, Siddique Ahmed, admitted state government's failure to protect Muslims in the troubled region.More than 4000 people, mostly Muslims, have been killed and tens of thousands rendered homeless since 1992 in the state. For minority Muslims in this northeastern India state, it is a constant struggle between life and death. The latest killing of four Muslims by Bodo militants is yet another reminder why it is difficult being a minority in India.
The bodies of four persons, including two minors, who were abducted by National Democratic Front of Bodoland militants were recovered from a nearby river, triggering massive protests in the area and prompting authorities to impose curfew in twin districts of Baksa and Barpeta. The horrific incident comes nearly two months after 45 Muslims were killed and thousands were rendered homeless in Bodoland Territorial Council-administered districts where Bodo ethnic tribes are demanding a separate state called Bodoland, despite being in minority. The region has seen several violent clashes in the past between Muslims and Bodo ethnic group, who accuse the former of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.Observers believe the violence against Muslims is politically motivated. They say the perpetrators have been let off and that has encouraged more violence and given rise to culture of impunity in the region. Talking to Press TV, Assam's minister for border areas, Siddique Ahmed, admitted state government's failure to protect Muslims in the troubled region.More than 4000 people, mostly Muslims, have been killed and tens of thousands rendered homeless since 1992 in the state. For minority Muslims in this northeastern India state, it is a constant struggle between life and death. The latest killing of four Muslims by Bodo militants is yet another reminder why it is difficult being a minority in India.
