Assam violence: PM reaches Kokrajhar, is accompanied by CM, Governor

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reached the violence-hit region of Kokrajhar in Assam on Saturday. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and the Governor.

The PM's visit was earlier cut short due to a technical snag in his helicopter which failed to land. The helicopter was forced to return mid-way to Guwahati.

Visiting a relief camp in Kokrajhar, the Prime Minister said he had come to share the sorrow and pain of the displaced people. "This is a time for healing. My government will do everything possible to help the victims," he said.

The PM\'s visit was earlier cut short due to a technical snag in his helicopter which failed to land.

He added, "This is not the time for recriminations. We need to first rehabilitate the people and bring in peace."

Large-scale violence, which has rocked the state, particularly Kokrajhar and Chirang districts, has claimed 50 lives so far.

The PM is expected to address a high-level review meeting with Gogoi, state cabinet ministers and top police and Army officials.

Human Rights Watch demands probe

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has sought a prompt investigation into the violence.

The HRW said that the Indian security forces should abide by the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, which call upon law enforcement officials, including members of the armed forces, to apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and only in proportion to the seriousness of the offence.

The UN principles allow lethal force only when it is "strictly unavoidable in order to protect life, it noted.

It further said that authorities in India should rescind "shoot at sight" orders to enforce a curfew in the badly affected areas of Assam.

(With additional information from PTI)

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