Thousands Flee As Clashes In Northeastern India Kill 19

[News_Editor]

Thousands flee as clashes in northeastern India kill 19 < br />

2012-07-24 07:39:26 GMT+7 (ICT)

GUWAHATI, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll reached nineteen on Monday as clashes between tribal groups and Muslim settlers continue in northeastern India, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee the region, local authorities said.

Two more bodies were recovered in the Gouranga River on Monday, police said, confirming that the death toll has now reached nineteen. Meanwhile, district authorities have issued a shoot-at-sight orders, while establishing a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for an indefinite time until order has been restored.

The clashes erupted on Friday in the Bodoland Territorial Council, located in the state of Assam, between Muslim immigrants and Bodo tribal groups in the districts of Kokrajhar and Chirang. Violence erupted after four people were killed by a group of unidentified men, but Bodo tribal members attacked the Muslim settlers and accused them of being behind the killings.

Indian media reported Monday that around 25,000 people have been forced to flee the region due to the wave of violence. Armed villagers also stopped an express train, protesting against damages and arrests made by law enforcement. Officials have called on both sides to refrain from further violence.

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