Sonia describes Asom killings as senseless

New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today strongly condemned the ''senseless killing of innocent, harmless, unarmed poor people'' in Asom, saying such violence, instead of leading to any solution, would only retard the economic progress of the state.

''Violence has no place in in a democraic country like ours.

Solution to all problems can be found through dialogue,'' Ms Gandhi said in a statement.

Making an appeal to the people of Asom to maintain peace and tranquility in ''this hour of difficulty,'' she said she had instructed the state government to provide security to the people and adequate compensation to the victims' families.

''I am pained and feel deeply for those unfortunate victims and their loved ones,'' she said while offering condolences to the members of the bereaved families.

UNI