2012 Assam violence

{{See also|Illegal immigration in India|Assam agitation|Assam Accord}}

The violence in 2012 followed ethnic tensions between the indigenous Bodo people and Bengali-speaking Muslims. While the Bengali-speaking Muslims state that they are descendants of East Bengali Muslims brought to Assam during the British Raj, local indigenous communities allege the Muslim population has increased, boosted by refugees from the erstwhile East Pakistan before the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971{{cite news | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Assam/Key-facts-about-Assam-violence/Article1-895836.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728054338/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Assam/Key-facts-about-Assam-violence/Article1-895836.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 July 2012 | title = Key facts about Assam violence | work= Hindustan Times|date=26 July 2012|accessdate=27 July 2012}} and by subsequent illegal migrants from Bangladesh.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-18993905 | title = What lies behind Assam violence? | publisher= BBC News |first=Subir |last=Bhaumik |date=26 July 2012|accessdate=27 July 2012}}{{cite news |title=Assam violence: A history of conflict rooted in land |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/assam-violence-a-history-of-conflict-rooted-in-land-248039 |publisher=NDTV |date=27 July 2012}}

By the mid-1970s, increased competition for livelihood, land and political power led to frequent incidents of violence, including the Nellie massacre after the controversial 1983 state elections, which left nearly 3,000 dead, and other large scale clashes. These incidents resulted in resentment directed at India's central government, not only from Bodos, Rabhas, Tiwas, Keot (Kaibarta) and other indigenous ethnic groups for failing to prevent illegal migration, but also from the indigenous Assamese Muslim community for failing to protect the rights of minorities.{{cite news |title=Assam riots: Fruits of living in denial over Bangladesh influx |url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/assam-riots-fruits-of-living-in-denial-over-bangladesh-influx-390536.html |work=First Post|date=25 July 2012 }}

In 1998, Srinivas Kumar Sinha, who was the governor of Assam at the time, had sent a report to then Indian President, KR Narayanan, explaining the problems the unchecked illegal immigration of Bangladeshis would bring to the integrity of India.[http://www.firstpost.com/india/assam-riots-fruits-of-living-in-denial-over-bangladesh-influx-390536.html Assam riots: Fruits of living in denial over Bangladesh influx]. Firstpost. 25 June 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2013 In this report, he had highlighted the history of Assam first being claimed by Pakistan during 1947 and then by Bangladesh, due to its rich natural resources. The report raised worries about what might happen if illegal immigrants gain a majority and ask for secession from India. He also cited the "Greater Bangladesh project" which might entice the immigrants to merge those regions of Assam with Bangladesh.

{{blockquote|text=The rapid growth of international Islamic fundamentalism may provide the driving force for this demand. The loss of Lower Assam will severe the entire North-East from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of this region will be lost to the nation.|sign=Srinivas Kumar Sinha.{{Cite web|url = http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/feb/13secu.htm|title =Assam governor asks Centre to seal Bangladesh border |work =rediff.com }}}}

Ethnic tensions between Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslims escalated into a riot in Kokrajhar on 20 July 2012, when Muslims killed four Bodo youth at Joypur.{{cite news|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul2212/at05 |title=9 killed, curfew clamped in Kokrajhar |date=21 July 2012 |work=Assam Tribune |accessdate=2 July 2013 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103112348/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul2212%2Fat05 |archivedate=3 November 2013 }} This was followed by retaliatory attacks on local Muslims killing two and injuring several of them on the morning of 21 July 2012. Almost 80 people were killed, most of whom were Bengali Muslims and some Bodos. 400,000 people were displaced to migrant camps, most being Muslims.{{Cite news|url = https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/08/ethnic-fissures-assam|title = Killing for a homeland|newspaper = The Economist|issn = 0013-0613|access-date = 19 April 2016}} The Indian Army was deployed amid curfews to stem the mob rioting, with permission to shoot on sight.{{Cite news|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-18993905|title = What lies behind Assam violence? – BBC News|website = BBC News|language = en-GB|access-date = 19 April 2016|date = 26 July 2012|last1 = Bhaumik|first1 = Subir}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-18964870|title=India's Assam issues 'shoot on sight' orders amid violence|date=24 July 2019|work=BBC World News|access-date=20 December 2019}} Around 500 villages had been destroyed through arson.{{Cite news|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-violence-idUSBRE86N0W820120724|title = India struggles to control ethnic violence in Assam|date = 24 July 2012|newspaper = Reuters|access-date = 19 April 2016}}

File:The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meeting the violence-hit of Kokrajhar district, at a relief camp, in Assam on July 28, 2012.jpg

On the request of Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary, the MP from Kokrajhar, the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh called the Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, on 23 July 2012 and instructed him to do whatever was necessary to restore peace.{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/assam-mha-officials-to-speak-to-warring-factions/274455-3-251.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020233547/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/assam-mha-officials-to-speak-to-warring-factions/274455-3-251.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2013|title=Assam violence: MHA officials to speak to warring factions|date=25 July 2012|accessdate=27 July 2012|publisher=IBN Live}} The violence continued despite the efforts of the state law enforcement agencies, and on 24 July 2012, India's central government deployed paramilitary forces and 13 columns of the Indian Army to the affected districts. On the same day, shoot-on-sight orders and an indefinite curfew were enforced across Kokrajhar district, which also led to the death of four people when police fired at violent crowds in the Rampur and Chaprakata areas of Kokrajhar.{{cite news |title=Assam violence: 4 killed in police firing; toll reaches 25|url=http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/assam-violence-4-killed-in-police-firing-toll-reaches-25/36136/ |work=Business Standard |date= 24 July 2012}} The Army conducted flag marches and the disrupted rail services were resumed on 25 July 2012, under the protection of the central forces. Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh stated that there were signs of improvement and called upon the Assam government to immediately act against the "ring leaders" of both factions.

On 26 July, an indefinite curfew and the shoot-on-sight orders were enforced in Kokrajhar district, along with a night curfew in Chirang and Dhubri districts.{{cite news |title=Assam Violence: Death Toll Rises to 44 |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=770014 |date=26 July 2012 |publisher=Outlook |agency=Press Trust of India |accessdate=27 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727085202/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=770014 |archive-date=27 July 2012 |url-status=dead }} On 26 July, the state's chief minister, Tarun Gogoi, announced the payment of ₹ 600,000 as compensation to the next of kin of the dead. Gogoi also announced that the people who were rendered homeless or displaced would be provided new houses at government expense. The chief minister assured the population that peace would soon return to the violence-affected areas. Singh visited the district of Kokrajhar to observe the situation on 28 July 2012 and offered support to the victims.{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/assam-riots-live-tarun-gogoi-attacks-national-media-for-negative-role-391441.html|title=Assam riots live: Tarun Gogoi attacks national media for negative role|accessdate=26 July 2012|work=FirstPost|date=26 July 2012}} The prime minister said that the Centre will "closely work with the state government to provide a sense of security to all affected areas to ensure that they can go back to their houses secure in the knowledge that their lives and livelihood are secure". Singh said ₹ 200,000 would be given to the next of kin of those who died and ₹ 50,000 to the injured. He announced ₹ 1 billion for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people in the six affected districts, ₹ 1 billion as Special Plan assistance for development programs in the affected areas and another ₹ 1 billion under the Indira Awaas Yojana. ₹ 30,000 each would be given to those whose houses were totally destroyed, ₹ 20,000 under the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to those whose houses were partially damaged.{{cite news| url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/pm-announces-rs-300-crore-package-for-assam-says-riots-a-blot-on-the-nation/articleshow/15237266.cms|title=PM announces Rs 300-crore package for Assam; says riots a blot on the nation| date= 28 July 2012 |accessdate=28 July 2012|work=The Economic Times}}

The Prime Minister ordered an inquiry committee to be set up to look into the violence, and directed the state government to provide security so that the affected people can return home. On 28 July, Gogoi said that the late arrival of central forces, including the Army, assisted the spread of clashes in the state.{{cite news| url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gogoi-says-central-forces-reached-late/980611/0| date= 28 July 2012 |accessdate=28 July 2012 |author =Samudra Gupta Kashyap |title=Gogoi says central forces reached late |work=The Indian Express}} According to the media reports, the Army was initially reluctant to deploy the troops and wanted clarification from the Defence Ministry on deployment because the situation "seemed to have communal overtones". When the situation deteriorated rapidly and another request was made, the ministry authorised Army deployment on 25 July 2012.

The Centre authorized the Assam government to deploy more than 11,000 paramilitary personnel in the state's violence-hit districts and has dispatched a relief plane with medical teams and supplies. Central paramilitary forces are now out in full force in Assam; the deployment of 65 paramilitary companies has been ordered and 53 companies have reached Assam. Of these, five were sent on the night of 20 July. 7,300 paramilitary personnel were deployed in strife-torn Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri districts after moving them from other states in the wake of clashes between Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslims.

AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal claimed that the state administration was complicit in the violence and demanded a CBI inquiry into the riots.{{cite journal|first=SNM |last=Abdi|title=Interview with Badrudding Ajmal|journal=Outlook Magazine|date=13 August 2012}} Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, recommended a CBI probe into the clashes in BTAD and Dubri districts and claimed "internal and external forces were at work".{{cite news|url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article3737790.ece |title= Assam govt recommends CBI probe into violence|date=7 August 2012 | location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu}} On 7 August 2012, the Centre ordered a CBI probe into the continued ethnic clashes in the state.{{cite web|url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Assam/Kokrajhar-erupts-again-Centre-orders-CBI-probe/Article1-909690.aspx|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120808223709/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Assam/Kokrajhar-erupts-again-Centre-orders-CBI-probe/Article1-909690.aspx|url-status= dead|archive-date= 8 August 2012|title= Kokrajhar erupts again, Centre orders CBI probe|date=8 August 2012}}

According to the Times of India, some 14 Muslim groups which came into existence in the last 20 years are under observation by intelligence agencies after inputs suggested that their activities were "inimical to peace and social harmony". The organizations named are Muslim Security Council of Assam, United Liberation Militia of Assam, Islamic Liberation Army of Assam, Muslim Volunteer Force, Muslim Liberation Army, Muslim Security Force, Islamic Sevak Sangh and Islamic United Reformation Protest of India.{{cite news|url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-08/india/33100117_1_intelligence-agencies-cbi-probe-lower-assam-districts|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131205094525/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-08/india/33100117_1_intelligence-agencies-cbi-probe-lower-assam-districts|url-status= dead|archive-date= 5 December 2013|work= The Times of India|title= Muslim outfits under lens in Assam, Manipur|date=8 August 2012 }}

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and some senior Indian officials are said to have questioned whether the deployment of the Indian Army to curb the outbreak of violence was enacted fast enough.Sudhi Ranjan Sen [http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/assam-violence-was-the-army-deployed-too-late-home-ministry-to-take-up-the-issue-with-the-prime-mini-249333 Assam violence: Was the Army deployed too late? Home ministry to take up the issue with the Prime Minister] NDTV. She a baddie she show her pani, she shake it like jelly. 100 days of sheneli.{{cite news|last=Sharma |first=Betwa |url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/in-assam-grim-aftermath-to-july-riots/ |title=In Assam, Grim Aftermath to July Riots - NYTimes.com |location=Bangladesh |publisher=India.blogs.nytimes.com |date=2 August 2012 |accessdate=9 August 2012}}

{{See also|Central Bureau of Investigation}}

On 7 August 2012, the Govt of India ordered a CBI probe of the matter. CBI on 19 September 2012, carried out first arrests by arresting five youth in connection with the alleged lynching of four Bodo youth in the Kokrajhar area on 20 July. Mohammed Hashem Ali, Mohammed Adom Ali Sheikh, Mohammed Hashim Ali Rehman, Mohammed Qurban Ali Sheikh, and Mohammed Imran Hussain were arrested after they allegedly confessed their involvement.{{cite news|title=CBI Makes First Arrests in Assam Violence Case|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=775661|accessdate=19 September 2012|newspaper=The Outlook India|date=19 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920042556/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=775661|archive-date=20 September 2012|url-status=dead}} Further investigation led to the arrest of the real culprit behind the 2012 ethnic clash, who has been identified as an Assam Police Constable Mohibur Islam alias Ratul who is currently absconding.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Assam-cop-triggered-Bodoland-riots-CBI/articleshow/45377734.cms|title=Assam cop triggered Bodoland riots: CBI|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 September 2018}}

On 8 and 9 August, some Meiteis were attacked in Pune. Students and professionals were beaten up by Muslims allegedly in Pune's Kondhwa and Poona College areas.{{cite web|title=Pune attacks against North-East students too provoked by 'Assam video', say police|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pune-attacks-against-northeast-students-too-provoked-by-assam-video-say-police/988047/0|accessdate=16 August 2012}} Attackers asked victims which state they belonged to, and those who replied Manipur were beaten. One of the victims said some attackers wore college uniform while others were in casual clothes.{{cite news|url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/six-attacks-on-manipuris-many-from-northeast-choose-to-stay-home/articleshow/15458721.cms|title= Six attacks on Manipuris, many from northeast choose to stay home|date=12 August 2012 | work=The Times of India}} Police arrested nine Muslims as the alleged perpetrators of the attacks.

{{main|Azad Maidan riots}}

On 11 August 2012, a Muslim protest against the riots in Assam and attacks on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar was held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. The protest was organised by Raza Academy,{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/270900/assam-echoes-mumbai.html |title=Assam echoes in Mumbai|date=11 August 2012}} and was attended by two other groups, Sunni Jamiatul Ulema and Jama'at-e-Raza-e-Mustafa.{{cite web|url= http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/aug/110812-Azad-Maidan-protest-turns-violent.htm|title=Two dead in Mumbai as protest rally turns into a riot|date=12 August 2012}} It ended in violence; two were killed and 54 others injured, including 45 policemen.{{cite news|title=Protest against Assam riots turns violent in Mumbai|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-08-11/news/33153155_1_assam-riots-mumbai-civic-body-azad-maidan-ground|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104070356/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-08-11/news/33153155_1_assam-riots-mumbai-civic-body-azad-maidan-ground|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2013|accessdate=2 November 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=11 August 2012|agency=IANS|location=Mumbai, India}}{{cite news|url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/assam-riots-2-killed-20-injured-as-protestors-go-on-rampage-in-mumbai/articleshow/15450088.cms |title= Assam riots: 2 killed, 20 injured as protestors go on rampage in Mumbai|date=12 August 2012 | work=The Times of India}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/2-dead-54-hurt-in-mumbai-protest-over-assam-violence/987126/0 |title=2 dead, 54 hurt in Mumbai protest over Assam violence |work=Indian Express|date=11 August 2012 |accessdate=20 August 2012}} Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said it was around 3 pm when the crowd turned violent, after some protesters displayed "provocative photos" of the Assam violence. "Some people started raising slogans against the police and media. They set fire to police vehicles," said Patnaik. "As we tried restraining the crowd, a scuffle broke out between the protestors and police."{{cite news|title=2 dead, 54 hurt in Mumbai protest over Assam violence|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/2-dead-54-hurt-in-mumbai-protest-over-assam-violence/987126/0|accessdate=12 August 2012|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=12 August 2012}}

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch suspects that the riot outside Azad Maidan was part of a "big conspiracy". Crime Branch sources said the police are probing the alleged role of "outside agencies". Crime Branch officers said the police felt the violence may have been pre-planned as the protestors were equipped with gear to torch vehicles,{{cite news|title=Police probing if violence was a 'big conspiracy'|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/police-probing-if-violence-was-a-big-conspiracy/987151/0|accessdate=12 August 2012|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=12 August 2012}} which they used to set fire to three media outdoor broadcasting (OB) vans and four police vans, one of which belonged to the riot control police. They also damaged several other vehicles, including BEST buses. At least 30 vehicles were damaged in the incident. The police had to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Two of the OB vans belonged to ABP News and P7 News. Eight of the 45 policemen hurt sustained serious head injuries.{{cite news|title=I could see them tossing policemen up and down|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/i-could-see-them-tossing-policemen-up-and-down/987199|accessdate=12 August 2012|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=12 August 2012}} The police claimed "at least five woman police constables were molested by the mob."{{cite web|url= http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_mumbai-violence-woman-cops-molested-by-rioters_1726932 |title= Mumbai violence: Woman cops molested by rioters|publisher=DNA India|date=12 August 2012|accessdate=12 August 2012}} There were also reports of a few rioters having stolen police weapons and fired in the air and at the police, but no casualties were reported. Some photographers were also reportedly injured during the violence.{{cite web|url= http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_assam-effect-riot-in-the-city-as-protesters-go-on-rampage_1726956 |title= Assam effect: Riot in the city as protesters go on rampage|publisher=DNA India|date=12 August 2012|accessdate=12 August 2012}} The police later claimed provocative pamphlets were distributed during the protest, and they were investigating their source. The Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial for martyred soldiers in South Mumbai was desecrated during the riot.{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/assam-protest-violence-in-mumbai-police-arrest-23-people/1/212903.html |title=Assam violence protest in Mumbai: 23 arrested, police claim women constables molested by mob at Azad Maidan : West, News – India Today |publisher=Indiatoday.intoday.in |date=12 August 2012 |accessdate=20 August 2012}}

The President of the Raza Academy, Alhaj Mohammed Saeed Noori, said the "miscreants" involved in the violence were not associated with the academy. "Our protest was peaceful," he said.{{cite news|title=Mumbai violence: Organisers admit remarks against media led to tension|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mumbai-violence-organisers-admit-remarks-against-media-led-to-tension/987198/|accessdate=12 August 2012|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=12 August 2012}} Noori stated that an "irresponsible" speech had been made during the rally, which the Indian Express claimed exacerbated tensions. Noori said: "There were several people on the stage. One irresponsible person made statements regarding the media coverage. He was immediately stopped and attempts were made to calm the situation. We had no idea that this will happen," he said, condemning the attack on the media.

Riots at Azad Maidan led to panic in the nearby colleges and hospitals. Cama and Albless Hospital and St Xavier's College were locked down to prevent rioters from entering their premises.{{cite web|url= http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_mumbai-violence-panic-at-cama-xaviers_1726927 |title= Mumbai violence: Panic at Cama, Xavier's|date=8 December 2012}}

While condemning the violence caused by rioters, All India Secular Forum social activist Irfan Engineer blamed Raza Academy for being parochial in nature. Engineer said: "The riots have ruptured the lives of every person in Assam. It has nothing to do with Muslims, Hindus, Bodos or anybody. Raza Academy, while organising the rally, should have taken all measures to see that the crowd does not go out of control or infiltrators take advantage of it or that protest rally just does not become confined for one community and thereby score an advantage in the community itself."

23 people were arrested on charges of murder and have been remanded to police custody. Raza Academy and Madinatul Ilm Foundation were booked under section 302 (murder) of IPC. Police suspected Facebook and social media were used to mobilise the mob.{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=771790 |title=Mumbai Violence Seems Pre-Planned: Police |date=12 August 2012 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222134930/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=771790 |archivedate=22 February 2014 }} Rioters were found carrying sticks, rods and petrol cans to the rally, so police suspected the riot was pre-meditated and investigated the source of the weapons. Police found CCTV footage showing protesters pouring petrol on vehicles before setting them alight.

On 14 August 2012, Bal Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena and editor of Saamna newspaper published an editorial condemning the Congress-ruled Maharashtra government for "bowing" before "anti-national" Muslims who went on the rampage in south Mumbai. He compared the violence with the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/When-anti-national-Muslims-held-Mumbai-to-ransom-bullets-turned-into-chocolates-Shiv-Sena/articleshow/15486539.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103192912/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-14/mumbai/33200753_1_saamna-shiv-sena-muslims |url-status=live |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=The Times of India |title=When anti-national Muslims held Mumbai to ransom, bullets turned into chocolates: Shiv Sena |date=19 August 2012 }}

{{blockquote|While 26/11 happened all of a sudden, Saturday's violence happened right under the nose of the city police. Those who held south Mumbai to ransom are not just miscreants, they are anti-national Muslims. However, it is unfortunate that the police did nothing to control the crisis. The office of the police commissioner is barely 100 steps away from the place where the Muslim youths went on the rampage. They took away weapons from policemen, molested women, assaulted innocent citizens and torched public vehicles. Yet the police did nothing. Their bullets turned into chocolates."}}

A special team of 12 officers from the Crime Branch headed by an assistant commissioner of police will conduct the investigations. Two police rifles stolen by the mob were recovered in Amrutnagar, Mumbra, in neighbouring Thane district. Only 19 rounds out of 160 rounds stolen were recovered.

Two labourers, Sudip Barman, 23, and Khanin Ray, 32 from North-East were attacked in Andhra Pradesh while traveling on the Ernakulam Express. One of the men {{which|date=March 2025}} sustained severe injuries and later died.

On 17 August 2012, Muslim mobs resorted to large scale violence against mediapersons, bystanders, shops, vehicles and tourists in several cities including Lucknow, Kanpur and Allahabad.{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article3786202.ece | date = 18 August 2012 | accessdate=20 August 2012 | work=The Hindu | title=Mob goes berserk in Lucknow, targets media | last=Khan | first=Atiq | location=Chennai, India}}{{cite news | url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=250545494 | date=18 August 2012 | accessdate=20 August 2012 | work=MSN News | title=UP sees violence over Myanmar-Assam events, curfew in Allahabad | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819051022/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=250545494 | archive-date=19 August 2012 | url-status=dead }} In Lucknow, after the Friday Namaz, a mob of 500 ravaged various landmarks of the city including Buddha Park, Haathi Park, Shaheed Smarak and Parivartan Chowk, and vandalized many statues including those of Gautam Buddha and Mahavira.{{cite news| url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bjp-police-did-not-act-during-violence-on-govt-instance/990272/ | accessdate=20 August 2012 | work=Indian Express | title=BJP: Police did not act during violence on govt instance | date= 19 August 2012}}

In August 2012, 30,000 people from the Northeast region had fled Bangalore after attacks{{cite web |title=Northeast people indeed assaulted, threatened in Bangalore |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2012/08/18/northeast-people-assaulted-threatened-in-bangalore-kar-1055896.html |accessdate= 18 August 2012|date=18 August 2012 }} and threats of more attacks to come after Ramadan. Shiyeto from Nagaland, a resident of Bangalore, was attacked by a group of people who threatened to kill him if he did not leave the city before Ramadan. Another person from Assam was alleged to be attacked.

Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad also witnessed an exodus of people from the Northeast.{{cite web |title=North-East people's exodus continues |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/north-east-peoples-exodus-continues_794432.html |accessdate= 18 August 2012|date=18 August 2012 }} In the national capital Delhi, rumours that people from the Northeast will be targeted, particularly after Ramadan, started circulating.

Union Home Ministry banned bulk SMS and MMS for 15 days to quell rumours and threats. Railways introduced two special trains to meet the rush of people fleeing.

Singh called for maintaining peace at "any cost".{{cite web |title=PM CALLS FOR MAINTAINING PEACE AT ANY COST |url=http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=420294&catid=35 |accessdate= 18 August 2012}} Then Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Gadkari blamed illegal migrants for the attacks on people from Northeast. Gadkari said the violent mob in Mumbai had waved a Pakistani flag, made provocative remarks and vandalised the martyrs' memorial. He also condemned the attack on the media present and the assault on women police by the demonstrators at Azad Maidan.{{cite news |title=Illegal migrants responsible for attacks on NE people: Gadkari |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/illegal-migrants-responsible-for-attacksne-people-gadkari/183128/on |accessdate= 18 August 2012|newspaper=Business Standard India |date=16 August 2012 |agency=Press Trust of India }}

DGP Dinesh Reddy of Andhra Pradesh State, said, "Police have been deployed at all localities with a sizeable North-East population, to boost the community's confidence. Besides, round-the-clock police patrols have been organised."{{cite web |title=N-E exodus from 3 states unabated |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/272300/n-e-exodus-3-states.html |accessdate= 18 August 2012|date=17 August 2012 }}

A policeman at Chennai Egmore station, where Howrah-bound trains from the South make a brief halt, remarked about the exodus: "The large crowds remind me of the arrival of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka decades ago."

On 18 August 2012, Bangalore police arrested three persons for sending SMSs and MMSs, to incite hatred against people from the Northeast.{{cite news |title=Cops nab gang which sent hate SMSs in Bangalore |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Cops-nab-gang-which-sent-hate-SMSs-in-Bangalore/articleshow/15548350.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821041513/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-18/bangalore/33261420_1_smss-mobile-shop-police-officer |url-status=live |archive-date=21 August 2012 |access-date= 18 August 2012 |work=The Times of India |date=18 August 2012}} Anees Pasha, Thaseem Nawaz and Shahid Salman Khan were arrested, and four mobiles, two computers and one laptop were seized from them. The culprits are believed to have shown clippings of violence in Assam and told a group of Northeast youth that they would face a similar fate if they continued to stay in Bangalore beyond 20 August.

In Coimbatore, police arrested a person identified as B Mohammed Sheik Hassain for sending more than 200 hate SMSs. According to Hassain, a person named Anvar first sent him the message. Hassain has been charged under the IPC for threat to national integration and creating public mischief, and under the Copyright Act.{{cite news |title=20-yr-old held for forwarding hate SMS |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/20-yr-old-held-for-forwarding-hate-SMS/articleshow/15564552.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822062909/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-20/coimbatore/33287262_1_communal-harmony-police-inspector-minority-community |url-status=live |archive-date=22 August 2012 |access-date= 20 August 2012 |work=The Times of India |date=20 August 2012}}

Investigators traced the source of hate messages to Islamist groups such as Popular Front of India, Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, Manita Neeti Pasarai and Karnataka Forum for Dignity. The SMS campaign was designed to create panic among people from the Northeast forcing them to flee and to damage the social fabric and economy.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-huji-pfi-lobbed-the-hate-bomb-north-east-with-ease/20120821.htm |title=How HuJI, PFI lobbed the hate bomb with ease |date=21 August 2012 |publisher=Rediff |accessdate=24 August 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/52267-caught-napping-again.html |title=Caught napping, again}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Northeast-exodus-rogue-SMSes-traced-to-HuJI-Kerala-group/Article1-916814.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821123003/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Northeast-exodus-rogue-SMSes-traced-to-HuJI-Kerala-group/Article1-916814.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2012 |title=Northeast exodus: rogue SMSes traced to HuJI, Kerala group}} The Kerala State Intelligence was asked to check the veracity of the report with respect to the PFI.{{cite news|author =PTI |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3803001.ece |title=States / Kerala : Inflammatory messages: Kerala-based outfit under scanner |work=The Hindu|date=21 August 2012 |accessdate=29 December 2012 |location=Chennai, India}}

Messages were circulated warning people of Northeastern states of India to leave Bangalore and other cities before Eid al-Fitr (the festival that marks the end of Ramadan) which was on 20 August 2012.{{cite news |title= India Bans Mass SMS to Counter Panic |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/08/17/indian-bans-mass-sms-to-counter-panic/ |accessdate= 17 August 2012 | work=The Wall Street Journal |first=Shreya |last=Shah |date=17 August 2012}}

• Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act, 1983

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{cite web |title=The Butchers of Kokrajhar |url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main53.asp?filename=Ne040812Butchers.asp |date=4 August 2012 |publisher=Tehelka Magazine |access-date=27 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729221416/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main53.asp?filename=Ne040812Butchers.asp |archive-date=29 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}.
• {{cite web|url= http://southasiaanalysis.org/papers16/paper1557.html|title= Politics of Infiltration – A Threat to Socio-cultural Identity of Assam?|publisher= SAAG|date= 29 September 2005|accessdate= 21 August 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120310075945/http://southasiaanalysis.org/papers16/paper1557.html|archive-date= 10 March 2012|url-status= usurped|df= dmy-all}}
• {{cite news |title=Bodoland Muslims might turn 'militant,' warns minorities panel|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article3776902.ece|date=16 August 2012 |work=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India |first=Mohammad |last=Ali}}
• {{cite news |title=Exodus of northeastern people hits businesses in Bangalore |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/exodusnortheastern-people-hits-businesses-in-bangalore/483477/ |date=18 August 2012 |work=Business Standard|last1=Reporters |first1=B. S. }}
• {{cite web |title=Assam calm; exodus to North-East continues |url=http://www.livemint.com/2012/08/17224923/Assam-calm-exodus-to-NorthEa.html |date=18 August 2012 |publisher=Live Mint}}
• {{cite web |title=Illegal migrants turn Assam into drug hub |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Illegal-migrants-turn-Assam-into-drug-hub/Article1-916434.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819220644/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Illegal-migrants-turn-Assam-into-drug-hub/Article1-916434.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 August 2012|date=20 August 2012 |work=Hindustan Times}}
• {{cite news |title='Stateless' remedy to illegal problem |url=http://www.asianage.com/columnists/stateless-remedy-illegal-problem-829|date=15 August 2012 |publisher=Asian Age}}
• {{cite web |title=BODO-MUSLIM CONFLICT in ASSAM – Historical Roots |url=http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/%5Cpapers52%5Cpaper5178.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829020552/http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/%5Cpapers52%5Cpaper5178.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=29 August 2012 |date=23 August 2012 |publisher=SAAG }}
• {{cite web |title=Whats Happening in Assam? Anybody bothered? |url=http://www.karavalidigest.com/whats-happening-in-assam-is-anybody-bothered/ |date=28 August 2012 |publisher=Online News Portal |access-date=28 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907053328/http://www.karavalidigest.com/whats-happening-in-assam-is-anybody-bothered/ |archive-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}

{{History of Assam}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Assam violence, 2012}}

Category:2010s in Assam

Category:2012 murders in India

Category:2012 riots

Category:Riots and civil disorder in Assam

Category:Kokrajhar district

Category:Chirang district

Category:Ethnic conflicts

Category:Assamese nationalism

Category:Bodo nationalism

Category:Manmohan Singh administration

Category:Mass murder in 2012

Category:Massacres of Bengalis in Assam

Category:20th-century mass murder in India

Category:Urban fires in Asia

Category:Building and structure arson attacks in India

Category:Arson in 2012

Category:2012 fires in Asia

Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2012