NB Viewpoint | Assam CM claims around 150 people from West Bengal sought refuge fearing violence in panchayat elections
12 Jul 2023 15:06:27
"Around 150 people from West Bengal have come as refugees to Assam. They said that they have come because of the fear of violence in the panchayat elections. We have provided them with accommodation, food and medical facilities. Around 133 people are currently staying in relief camps" - Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam CM
Guwahati, Jul 12: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that around 150 people from West Bengal have sought refuge in Assam following violence in the state in connection with the panchayat elections.
Earlier on Tuesday (Jul 11), CM Sarma informed that 133 individuals who feared for their lives sought refuge in Assam's Dhubri district. On Sunday (Jul 9), the West Bengal State Election Commission said the Police have confirmed 10 deaths in poll-related violence across the state. The West Bengal State Election Commission stated that the police confirmed 10 deaths in the poll-related violence on Saturday that broke out in several parts of West Bengal on the day of the Panchayat Polls.
Violence broke out in West Bengal ahead of the Gram Panchayat elections which were previously to be held on July 8. However, the voting day was marred with widespread violence, looting of ballots papers and rigging. There were reports of booth capturing, and assault of presiding officers from several districts such as Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, Malda, South 24 Parganas, North Dinajpur and Nadia.
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