The Prime Minister has assured the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh that the Centre will extend all the required assistance to the State in tackling the situation in violence-hit Muzaffarnagar district. Dr Manmohan Singh today spoke to Akhilesh Yadav about the steps being taken to restore peace in the areas, which witnessed group clashes. Dr Singh also condemned the violence and expressed grief and shock over the loss of innocent lives.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said the Uttar Pradesh government must take action against those responsible for the violence in Muzaffarnagar district. He said in New Delhi that the state government should make efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas and ensure that peace and tranquillity is maintained. Mr Tewari said, the UPA government has zero tolerance towards incidents of communal violence.

Curfew has been clamped in riot-hit areas of Muzaffarnagar and the Army staged flag marches there to restore order. Meanwhile, according to official sources, the toll in the violence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas has gone up to 31.

The Congress today accused individuals and groups with vested political interests of stoking violence. Party spokesperson Bhakt Charan Das said those involved must be immediately arrested and strict action taken against them.

The BJP called for intervention by Centre and dismissal of state government. In a statement, Party President Rajnath Singh said, the situation in Muzzaffarnagar is now out of control. He alleged that the track record of Samajwadi Party government in containing communal violence has been dismal.

The BSP also demanded President's rule in Uttar Pradesh and dismissal of the state government in view of communal violence in Muzaffarnagar. BSP chief Mayawati said, the law and order machinery has collapsed in the state. She blamed the Samajwadi Party government for not taking action on time to control the situation.

Demanding firm and strong action to put an end to the violence, the CPI(M) asked the state administration to involve all sections of the people to restore peace and amity. Strongly condemning the violence, the party Polit Bureau accused the state government of not showing the required vigilance to curb such incidents promptly.