Government sends team of doctors to violence-hit Assam

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) The central government Friday airlifted doctors and para-medics to provide medical help to hundreds of thousands of people who have been displaced and are living in relief camps following sectarian violence in Assam.

"Two teams comprising physicians, gynaecologists, paediatricians, public health specialists, resident doctors and nurses have been airlifted from Delhi," a government statement said.

The medical teams will "support the state government's efforts to provide relief and immediate medical help to the people in the relief camps", the statement added.

In Delhi, Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth reviewed the relief and medical arrangements in the camps through a video conference with the Assam chief secretary to ensure that food and other supplies were available in adequate measures.

Assam's Bodo areas have seen week-long communal clashes that have claimed 45 lives. The violence has displaced about 3.92 lakh people in the three districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang and Udalguri.

There were no no reports of any fresh violence since Thursday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is to fly to Assam Saturday in an attempt to calm the situation in the northeastern state.