Bishop appeals for aid to 400 thousand Assam refugees

(Oct. 24, 2012) Economic aid is urgently needed in North-East India’s Assam State to support and rehabilitate the victims of clashes between Bodo tribals and Muslim settlers, which in July have plunged the country in violence, said Bishop Thomas Pulloppilil of Bongaigaon. Stating that the violence has caused 90 deaths and more than 400 thousand refugees, the prelate appealed to bishops, religious leaders and people of goodwill in India to help. Bishop Pulloppilil said he personally visited the affected areas, because they belong to his diocese. Through our diocesan groups and with the help of some NGOs, we have brought rice, salt, baby food, mosquito nets and cooking utensils to refugees” he said.“We have organized several meetings between Bodo and Muslim leaders to try to re-establish peaceful relations,” the Bishop said and added that aid groups have paid particular attention to health care and hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases. In addition to daily survival, there is a new threat on the horizon. "Now that the winter is coming - said the prelate - life in the camps will become much harder. Refugees are in need of blankets, sheets, warm clothes. We need homes with sanitary services, agricultural implements, oxen for ploughing and school supplies for children.
The riots erupted on the night between 21 and 22 July last, when unidentified gunmen killed four young people in the district of Kokrajhar, an area populated by Bodo tribals. According to police, some tribals revenged themselves, attacking Muslims, held responsible for the killing. The violence erupted uncontrollably, with different groups setting fire to cars, homes and schools, and shooting at people in crowded places.