European Union aid to Assam violence victims, releases over Rs 1.4 crore

NEW DELHI: Coming to the aid of the people displaced in recent communal clashes in Assam, European Union has released over Rs 1.4 crore for their immediate needs.

The funds will be utilised for providing hygiene and sanitation facilities as well as clean drinking water to over 45,000 people living in 40 camps in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts, worst hit by the violence, said a statement issued by European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection.

The EU-funded relief efforts will include installation of hand pumps, construction of flush latrines and bathing cubicles, distribution of chlorine tablets for water purification and provision of hygiene and women's sanitary kits.

"In accordance with the humanitarian principles of impartiality and neutrality, EU funds will be used to help the most vulnerable people, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background," said Joao Cravinho, the European Union's Ambassador to India.