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Security personnel had to resort to firing when a mob tried to storm into a vote counting station in western Assam’s Dhubri district at around 10.30 am on Friday today, killing three persons and injuring at least five.
A senior Border Security Force official informed that the BSF and Assam police battalion personnel posted at the vote counting station at Hatsingrimari in Dhubri district of western Assam were compelled to open fire when a violent mob tried to stormed into the vote counting station , where counting was going on for just concluded panchayat election in the state.
The mob also torched three vehicles including a bus meant for conveyance of polling officials. The vehicle of the sub-divisional officer was also burnt down by the group.
Curfew was imposed in the area and vote counting was stopped for the time being. The incident has created tension in the area following the firing incident which occurred close on the heels of February 12 violent episode in neighbouring Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council during panchayat polls on that day in which 19 persons were killed.
On the other hand, the government on Friday issued strict instructions to all the district administrations and department heads to ensure attendance and smooth functioning of all government offices and institutions in view of the 120-hour Assam bandh called by the All Assam Tribal Sangha on February 16.
The bandh is for killing of tribal protestors on February 12 in police firing during holding of panchayat elections in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area in western Assam.