The Sabha said that being a representative from Assam, Dr Singh should exhibit keen interest in the volatile situation and use his position as Prime Minister to intervene in the desired manner.

In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the Sabha said that the root of the communal violence originated on July 6 when unidentified gunmen shot dead two persons belonging to a minority group in Kokrajhar but the administration failed to realize the gravity of the situation and deploy forces to the sensitive areas. This was followed by another attack on two minority student leaders on July 19 but the police again failed to take any effective steps to nab the culprits. This was followed by the killing of four Bodo youths on July 20.

“In spite of strong protests against such cruel killings, the State Government could not control the burning fire of communal violence, resulting in the spread of violence,” it said.

Pointing out that killings and counter killings continued causing casualties in both parties, the Sabha said that in spite of repeated appeals by organizations like the BSS to maintain peace, the situation was worsening by the day, compelling thousands of Bodos and minority people to take shelter in relief camps.

The Sabha also expressed its dissatisfaction over the role of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, and said that he failed to take timely preventive action and make adequate security arrangements, triggering the present crisis.

“We demand that the Chief Minister quit the Home Department and entrust it to any of the efficient members of the cabinet,” it said.