Manmohan Singh (file pic)
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday condemned the violence in Assam and said that such attacks are "cowardly attempts to spread fear and terror". At least 30 people died of which seven bodies found were of children.
Following is the full statment released by the Prime Minister's office: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condemned the violence in Assam in which many a precious life have been lost and a large number of people injured. He has urged the people to remain calm and assured that the Central Government and the state government will take all measures to maintain law and order and restore normalcy. The Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Minister and Home Minister directing them to restore normalcy.
Expressing his shock and grief the Prime Minister said the attacks are cowardly attempts to spread fear and terror among our citizens. He said that his heart reaches out and grieves for all those who lost their near and dear ones and other affected people. (
PM condemns Assam violence; promises steps to restore peace)
"The government stands committed to fighting terror in all its forms. The people of Assam have been braving terrorist attacks with courage and fortitude in the past. They have voted in large numbers in the polling for the General elections and I am confident they will continue to fight terror resolutely," the statement quoted Dr Singh as saying.
He urged the people to remain calm, ignore rumours and carry on their activities normally. The Central Government he said will assist the State Government in taking all measures to defeat the forces of terrorism.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was briefed by National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon on the issue.
At least 32 people have been killed in violence unleashed by NDFB-Songbijit militants in Bodoland Territorial Administration Districts (BTADC) area in Assam.(
Assam Violence: Five Children Among Seven Bodies Found Overnight, Toll 27)