New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS): The CPI-M Wednesday urged the government to take "firm action" and dismantle Bodo militants after they massacred over 40 tribals, including women and children.

"Firm action should be taken to curb and dismantle the NDFB extremist group," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said, referring to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland.

"It is the responsibility of the Assam government and the (central government) to ensure the safety and protection of non-Bodo communities in the BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District) area."

The CPI-M blamed gangs belonging to an extremist Bodo organisation for the killings. It put the death toll at 48, including women and children.

"These brutal killings are part of the extremists' drive for ethnic cleansing in the BTAD area in Assam," the party said.

"In 2012, there was a massive attack against Bengali-speaking Muslims and before that in 2000 adivasis were targeted.

"All democratic forces should unitedly counter such reactionary ethnic chauvinism."