This Article is From Dec 27, 2014

Mamata Banerjee Assures Help to People Crossing Over From Violence-Hit Assam

Mamata Banerjee Assures Help to People Crossing Over From Violence-Hit Assam

Bodos moving to safer places after the violence in Kokrajhar in Assam. (Press Trust of India)

Bagdogra: Assuring assistance to people crossing over from Assam to escape violence, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said several relief camps have been set up at Alipurduar in north Bengal and also promised to establish several more.

Although Ms Banerjee did not mention the number of people who have fled to West Bengal following the serial attacks by Bodo militants and the retaliatory violence in lower Assam districts, she said that more than half of them are Adivasis or tribal groups.

"There is also one camp for the Bodos (refugees) who have come. All have been sheltered in the camps. At this moment our priority is to help them," she said.

The army has intensified its operations against the the NDFB(S) or the National Democratic Front of Bodoland's Songbijit faction, accused of killing more than 80 people on Tuesday in one of the worst massacres in the northeastern state. Thousands of people have left their homes in fear after the killings.

"There is no need for many to raise money in large-scale by coming forward. Whatever help is needed we will give. But there are some items which have to be bought ready-made baby food, dry food. Whatever items are possible we (the state government) are buying."

Ms Banerjee also added that she bought 1,000 sweaters "with my own money" for distribution among the affected on behalf of the Trinamool Congress.

Blankets, clothes, sweaters and food stuff are already being provided by the state government.

Philanthropic organisations wanting to provide relief material to the affected, can hand them over to the Siliguri Police Commissioner, she said.

Expressing shock at the violence, she said, "I will personally visit two relief camps tomorrow and talk to the inmates. Militants have no class, creed or religion. In times of crisis, instead of politics, one should stand beside the violence-affected persons for the sake of humanity."
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