New Year celebrations low key in Assam

Guwahati, Jan 1 (IANS) The New Year celebrations in Assam were a low key affair following the recent violence in three districts that left 79 people dead and rendered over two lakh homeless.

In Assam's main city Guwahati, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration appealed to people to enjoy the celebrations peacefully.

The administration had asked clubs and organisations to hold New Year's Eve parties till 12.30 a.m. only and prohibited them from serving liquor after 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Officials Thursday said the parties followed the instructions issued by the administration.

"There was no report of any violation of guidelines issued by us. Everyone cooperated and the celebrations remained peaceful," said a district administration official.

The administration had set up 15 mobile teams comprising officials of the police, excise and other departments to monitor the celebrations across the city.

On Thursday, people visited religious places like the historic Kamakhya temple atop the Nilachal Hill, the Sukreswar temple, Balaji temple and other prominent temples in and around the city.

The state zoo too recorded a huge footfall, as many families organised picnics inside the premises.

Bodo militants launched attacks Dec 23 in Kokrajhar, Chirang and Sonitpur districts. The backlash of the violence soon spread to neighbouring Udalguri district and many houses belonging to Bodos and adivasis were burnt. Over 2.3 lakh people are still living in 118 relief camps set up in the four districts.