The Assam Chief Minister, Mr. Tarun Gogoi today said that situation is improving in violence hit areas of the State. He said in Kokrajhar that the death toll has gone upto 44. Mr. Gogoi announced an ex-gratia of six lakh rupees each to the next of the kin of those killed in the violence.

Indefinite curfew and shoot-at-site orders are in force in Kokrajhar district, while night curfew is on in Chirang and Dhubri districts. Nearly two lakh people have taken shelter in 150 relief camps. With gradual improvement in the situation, train services which came to a halt for two days have resumed.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh is visiting the violence hit Kokrajhar District of Assam on Saturday to review the steps taken to control the situation. Dr. Singh is likely to review the majors taken by the Government for relief and rehabilitation.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, the Home Secretary Mr. R.K. Singh said 42 companies of Para-military forces have already been deployed to assist the state government in normalising the situation. He added 22 additional companies are reaching these areas followed by five more companies tonight. Mr. Singh said that re-settlement of the dislocated people is being carried out on war footing while efforts are being made to provide amenities to the people living in the camps.