PM speaks to Assam CM, directs him to monitor situation

New Delhi  :  Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday spoke to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and directed him to “monitor the situation closely” and to “ensure safety of people” in the state where 25 people have died in ethnic clashes.

“Prime minister spoke to the chief minister and directed him to monitor the situation closely, ensure safety of people and peace,” an official in the Prime Minister’s Office told IANS.

The prime minister also promised Gogoi more central assistance.

“..If required assistance from centre will be available,” the official said.

According to official sources, the violence started after gunmen attacked two student leaders in Magurbari Thursday. Following this, four former Bodo militants were shot dead Friday.

On Tuesday, the toll in communal violence raging in two districts climbed to 25. While thousands of people have been rendered homeless, curfew has been clamped in some areas.

The central government has already sent 15 companies of para-military forces to contain the situation.