Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's helicopter returned midway from a flight to strife-torn Kokrajhar district of Assam today due to a technical problem. Official sources said the helicopter returned 15 minutes after take off from the Lokopriyo Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.

The Prime Minister's programme was, however, not cancelled and he would leave for Kokrajhar by an IAF helicopter after routine security checks.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who briefed Dr. Singh on the overall situation in the affected areas and the relief work being undertaken.

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

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit two relief camps at Falakati and review the situation with Bodoland Territorial Areas District leaders at Kokrajhar.