Assam riots: Death toll reaches 44

NEW DELHI: The death toll in riot-torn Assam has gone up to 44 but for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the situation is better. Union Home Secretary RK Singh said the situation is better as no incident was reported on Thursday.

The government on Friday warned that the leaders of both Bodo and minority communities will be held responsible if any side is found to be instigating violence that has resulted in loss of 44 lives.

"The Centre and the state government are both clear that any violence on any side that is instigated and that result in loss of life, the leaders on both sides shall be made responsible," Union Home Secretary RK Singh told reporters in New Delhi.

The warning bears significance as clashes between Bodos and minority immigrants in four Assam districts continued for the seventh day today leaving 44 people dead so far.

Home Minister P Chidambaram too said there was no casualty in the past 24 hours. He said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will brief him after his visit to the riot affected areas.

The Home Secretary said the prime objective of the government was to provide help and assistance to the affected people who were in camps. He said approximately 1.71 lakh people have been displaced due to the ethnic violence in the state.

Singh said 4,200 paramilitary personnel have reached Assam to help local administration to maintain peace and restore normalcy while 2,200 more security men will be reaching the state by this evening. Home Ministry officials dismissed the suggestion that Assam government was slow in its action in curbing the violence which had started almost a week ago. So far around 100 rioters were arrested by security forces, they said.