20 killed in Assam civic polls violence

The death toll in the violent clashes between the police and Rabha communities, during panchayat elections, in Goalpara district of Assam has reached 20. At least 14 people were killed in police firing and six others died in group clashes, which continued in the district between Rabha communities and non-Rabha communities. Four bodies were found at Rakhyasini area in the trouble torn district on Tuesday night. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has announced a compensation of 500,000 rupees each to the families of the deceased. The third phase of village council elections turned into a violent episode for the district as the Rabhas were against the polls being conducted. Indefinite curfew has been imposed in several areas of the district. The situation in the area continues to remain tense with reports of vehicles being torched along the highway that passes through the district.