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Assam Director General of Police J N Chaudhury has said that the law and order situation in the riot-hit north-east state was under control and that he expected people residing in relief camps to return to their homes post Eid.
Speaking to rediff.com from his residence in Guwahati, Chaudhury said that the state police had so far arrested over 180 people.
More arrests could be made in days to come to ensure calm, he added.
"We have had a difficult time in bringing things under control. A driver, belonging to the minority community, got stranded in Baxa district of the Bodo Territorial Council. His vehicle was set on fire, but he managed to flee to a relief camp. They got together set a bus on fire and damaged six other buses. We had barely dealt with the situation when Bodos attacked a police station in Kamrup district. The police foiled their bid. Both Bodos and Muslims have been arrested," he explained.
Chaudhury is convinced that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assurance of providing adequate security to the students and workers employed in other states would have a positive impact.
"We have already organised trains for their return journey. They were forced to leave because their families were asking them to return home. It may take eight to ten days before we realize their reaction. I am convinced that they would believe the prime minister," he said.