Guwahati: The situation in Assam's ethnic strife-hit North Cachar hill district was under control with no untoward incident reported so far even as the curfew continued to be relaxed for 12 hours from 06:00 hours (IST).

The situation was returning to normal as the district administration relaxed curfew for 12hours for the third consecutive day on April 18 as no violence was reported from any part of the district, official sources said on April 18.

The administration held several meetings between members of various communities, including the warring Dimasa and Hmar tribes, to defuse the tension, while peace committees were formed to ensure peace among all sections of people.

The district witnessed incidents of violence and arson following killing of 26 Dimasas by Hmar rebels on March 31 in neighbouring Cachar district.

Meanwhile, district deputy commissioner Syed Iftikar Hussein has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the violent incidents, to be submitted within 15 days.

At a meeting with top officials in Haflong on April 17, Hussein took stock of the situation and decided that additional security pickets would be posted in the vulnerable areas.

PTI