The National Human Rights Commission came across a distressing report that appeared in the "Tribune" Jalandar dated 16.10.08 captioned "Assam communal clashes toll mounts to 30". The press report alleged that in the recent clashes between immigrant Muslims and Bodo tribe at Rowta in the Udalguri and Darrang districts of North Assam, the death toll increased to 30. A large number of people from both the clashing communities were injured and over 70,000 persons were rendered homeless from more than 25 villages in both the districts. The Commission taking a suo-motu cognizance of this press report issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and Director General Police of Assam calling for a factual report in the matter within four weeks.
The Commission also decided to send its Investigation Team to the affected areas to study the situation in relief camps.