Saddened by Assam attacks, says Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday condemned the "heinous" militant attacks in Assam and said her government will continue to support the tribal people who have sought shelter in her state.

"The brutal mass killings of adivasis in Assam by armed extremists have deeply saddened me. I strongly condemn the heinous mass killing," she said in a Facebook post.

The toll in the violence unleashed by Bodo militants rose to 73 Thursday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh and two other union ministers are in Assam to review the law and order situation.

"Many adivasi families have started coming to our state for shelter. We have made necessary arrangements to help them and we will continue to do so," Banerjee said.

"Today, on the day of Christmas symbolising peace and love, I appeal that ghastly acts of violence must be stopped everywhere," the Trinamool Congress supremo added. - IANS