Assam riots live: The guilty must be punished, says PM

3.35pm: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addresses a press conference at Kokrajhar Circuit House after visiting two relief camps: “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,” the PM said. “I also announce PMNRF Rs 2 lakh to the family of each person who lost his or her life. Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured. Rs 30, 000 to the partially damaged houses,” he said. 2.10pm The prime minister said that it is time to stop enmity and heal wounds. The riots would remain as a blot on the country’s history. 2.06pm PM to riot victims: I have come here to share your sorrow and pain. This is time for healing, prime minister tells riot victims in Kokrajhar. PM to reporters: This is no time for recriminations, we need to first help the people to rehabilitate and bring peace. 1.45pm The prime minister and UPA chairperson visited two relief camps – one belonging to the Bodos and other sheltering the Muslims. The PM assured people at both the relief camps on security and rehabilitation. 1.15pm PM and Sonia Gandhi along with others are on the way to the relief camp at Kokrajhar Commerce College. 1.08pm The three choppers land at the Sports Authority of India stadium in Kokrajhar. BTAD chief executive officer Hagrama Mohilary and his staff welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and Assam Congress chief Bhubaneswar Kalita are also present in the entourage. 12.30pm People in Kokrajhar were disappointed hearing that PM returned to Guwahati without landing. But the cheers are back with the PM and his entourage flying from Guwahati to Kokrajhar for the second time. 12.19pm The prime minister flew out again to the riot-hit district in a stand by helicopter. It takes 45 minutes for a chopper to reach Kokrajhar from Guwahati. 12.14pmAUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal meets prime minister. “I told the PM that all illegal arms should be seized and army should be out in full force. Even small boys are carrying arms in the BTAD area and killing people. I ahve asked for the removal of the DC and SP of Kokrajhar,” Ajmal told reporters at the Guwahati airport after meeting the PM. [caption id=“attachment_394978” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  PM talks to Bodo Territorial Council chief Mr Mohilary and Kokrajhar MP Mr Bwiswamuthiary after an on the spot survey. Photo courtesy PMO.[/caption] 12.10pm All three helicopters return to Guwahati without landing in Kokrajhar. Technical snag in one of the choppers is said to be the cause. So far, there is no change in schedule. The PM was supposed to land at Kokrajhar at 11am. The weather in Kokrajhar is clear. 10.30am Prime Minister Manmohan Singh starts for Kokrajhar. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor JB Patnaik are also accompanying them. 10.20am Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati in Assam to take stock of the situation in the violence-hit areas of the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts. Assam Governor JB Patnaik and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi welcome them.