Guwahati, Nov 19: Army was deployed in Assam and curfew was clamped in violence-hit Tinsukia area of Upper Assam today following stepped-up violence against Hindi-speaking people which has claimed 15 lives. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters that fear psychosis and a feeling of insecurity has gripped the people of the state. He said all possible measures were being taken to restore confidence among the people.

Senior police officials have been instructed to deal with the situation firmly, he said, adding they have been told that it "must improve within 24 hours". The Deputy Commissioners and the Superintendents of Police would be held responsible if violence erupts in their areas, Gogoi said.

The troops deployed in the state for counter-insurgency operations have been called to quell violence that has claimed 15 lives since it erupted on November 15. The Army staged a flag march yesterday in Tinsukia as a confidence building measure and to ensure peace.

Bureau Report