Two killed in police firing during eviction near Kaziranga

Two persons were killed and five injured on Monday when police opened fire to disperse protesters near the Kaziranga National Park. The Assam government had decided to carry out eviction in Banderdubi and Deochurchang areas under Kaliabor sub-division of Nagaon district after residents refused to move out citing lack of compensation.

Around 190 and 160 families were evicted from Banderdubi and Deochurchang respectively.

The situation turned tense, with protesters squatting and resorting to pelting of stones. The security forces resorted to a lathi charge and when it failed to control the situation, they opened fire to disperse them, a senior police official said.

Two persons, including a woman, were killed in the firing. They were identified as Anjuma Khatun and Fakhruddin.

The injured were admitted to Jakhalabandha Health Centre. The authorities have pressed elephants, excavators and rollers into service to demolish the houses