Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here on Saturday there were some difficulties in controlling the violence in the initial stages but that the Central and state governments were now working closely to restore normalcy in trouble-torn Western Assam.
The recovery, meanwhile, of three more bodies from a well and paddy fields in Gossaigaon area puts the death toll at 50.
After visiting two relief camps, Dr Singh told reporters: “What has happened is very sad. I share your grief and all of us are with you in this hour of your suffering.” Asked what led to the trouble, the PM said, “The issue is very complex and when peace returns we will analyse it.”
In an obvious reference to allegations that the Bengali-speaking Muslims affected in the violence were immigrants, he said, “We are all Indians and we must remain united... We all have to live together,” adding, “We are in touch with the state government and a detailed inquiry will be conducted to probe the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
The PM announced immediate Central assistance of `100 crore for relief and rehabilitation. “Another Central assistance of Rs 100 crore will be provided as special assistance to the state for development of affected areas besides a package of Rs 100 crore for construction of houses of those affected in violence,” he said. The PM also announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the PM’s National Relief Fund for the families of each of those killed.