Manmohan Singh announces Rs 300 crore relief package for violence-hit Assam

Guwahati, July 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday announced Rs. 300 crore as special assistance for development of the violence-hit areas of Assam.

Dr. Singh, who visited relief camps in Kokrajhar, also announced Rs two lakh each to kin of those killed in riots.

He said he was there to talk to the people directly and that a healing touch is the need of the hour.

"What has happened is very sad. I share your grief and all of us are with you in this hour of your suffering," he added.

"We must restore peace and calm throughout the area. We are giving Rs 100 crore to the Assam government for relief and rehabilitation of those affected. We are also giving Rs 100 crore as special planned assistance for the development of the affected areas. Another Rs 100 crore will be given under Indira Awas Yojana for repairing the damaged houses," Singh said.

"We must also address the causes of the conflict. The guilty must be punished. The Central government will also work closely with the state government to ensure security of those affected so that they can progress to their houses," he added.

As of now, 65 Companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been made available to Assam government after moving them from other States.

In addition, earlier state had also been authorized to use 116 Companies of CAPFs. Out of these 116 Companies, eight Companies are currently deployed for law and order duties in the Kokrajhar district. Thus, a total of 73 Companies are deployed in affected areas for maintenance of law and order.

Flag marches by the Army and patrolling by the Assam Police and Para-military forces have been intensified.

Indefinite curfew and shoot-at-site orders are in force in Kokrajhar district, while night curfew is on in Chirang and Dhubri districts. Nearly two lakh people have taken shelter in 150 relief camps. Over 46 people have been killed in the violence so far.

According to police officials, the latest wave of violence was sparked last week when unidentified men killed four youth in the state's Bodo tribe-dominated Kokrajhar District near the borders of Bangladesh and Bhutan.n retaliation, armed Bodos attacked Muslims, suspecting them to be behind the killings. (ANI)