Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday said some people with vested interests have been trying to create a division in the state to take advantage of the situation and spark violence.

Speaking at an official function in Sonitpur district, Sonowal asserted that every person in the state was safe.

"If there is peace, the state marches towards progress. However, some vested interests are hell bent to create rift in the state," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office quoted him as saying.

Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigues had Thursday shot dead five persons, including three members of a family, near Kheronibari village in Dhola of Tinsukia district.

Sonowal said the people of Assam, who have been living harmoniously for centuries taking the philosophy of Sankardeva, Ajan Peer, Bishnu Rava, Dr Bhupen Hazarika and others, will defeat such divisive forces.