CM visits riot-torn Vottoli, Bhainsa

Adilabad, Oct 16 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajsekhara Reddy today visited the riot-torn Vottli and Bhainsa to console the family members of the nine people killed in communal clashes since October 10.

Addressing the victims of the clashes, the Chief Minister appealed to all sections to maintain restraint in the wake of any provocation, realising that development would be hampered if such incidents recur.

He said the country could not achieve development if the minorities who accounted for over 15 per cent of the population continued to remain backward. ''Don't give any opportunity for rumour mongers to whip up communal passions'', he added.

He said an exgratia of Rs five lakhs would be provided to the family members of each victim in Vottoli. Compensation would be provided to the families of those killed in Bhainsa only after ascertaining whether they were victims of the violence. On no account compensation would be given to perpetrators of the violence, he added.

He announced that Rs 2.43 crore would be provided as compensation to those whose properties were damaged in the clashes.

All the white ration card holders would be provided additional ration free of cost .

In all, 123 shops were gutted in arson. He said for people who lost their property in the violence in Bhainsa, upto Rs 50,000 would be compensated in full. If the loss was above Rs 50,000, 75 per cent would be compensated with a maximum ceiling of Rs four lakhs. In view of the curfew clamped in the area, one month's rations would be given, including 20 kg rice, one kg of dal and one litre of palm oil as per eligibility.

UNI BR/SM VV GL RK1930