Army deployed after Assam riots

The Indian army has been called in to restore order after ethnic riots in the north-eastern state of Assam.

At least 14 villagers were killed in clashes between rival ethnic groups in the last two days, officials said.

Most of the dead belonged to the Karbi tribe, which has had a long-standing feud with the Dimasa tribe, the authorities said.

The Karbi and Dimasa are among many ethnic groups battling for control of territory in the north-eastern region.

Extensive rioting

Assam police officials say five Karbi villagers were killed by armed Dimasas in two villages near the town of Diphu on Sunday.

The BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Delhi says the attack followed extensive rioting and arson in 12 villages in the Dhansiri area in central Assam on Saturday in which five Karbis and three Dimasas were killed.

A Nepali settler was also shot dead in the violence.

Sporadic clashes last week between the Karbis and Dimasas left 10 dead.

Officials say more than 9,000 people have been displaced by the violence so far.

The local administration says it has opened several makeshift camps to provide shelter for those displaced by the violence.