Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Sunday visited the riot-hit areas of Muzaffarnagar and met families of some of the victims, a week after communal violence broke out in the region claiming 47 lives.
The chief minister flew in by helicopter to Kawaal village, the origin of the three-day violence that engulfed Muzaffarnagar district and nearby areas and forced the state government to deploy the army.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the families of the three youth who were killed on Aug 27, the chief minister, who has been targeted for failing to curb the conflagration, termed the violence "very sad".
He said his government will provide justice to the victims and take strong action against all those who took part in the communal violence.
Kawaal village is where an alleged incident of sexual harassment on Aug 27 led to three youths being killed. A 'mahapanchayat' or gathering of village councils was held a few days later, which led to communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and nearby areas, forcing the government to call in the army to control the situation.
Akhilesh Yadav told reporters: "I met the families of the three youth who were killed... I assured their families of justice and all help."
"The incident is being probed, and those guilty will not be spared at any cost, howsoever powerful they may be," he assured.
The Chief Minister has appealed to the prominent people in the area to come forward and speak to members of both communities so that peace prevails.
After Kawaal, Akhilesh Yadav travelled to Malakpur, Kandla and Shahpur villages and met the people who have fled their homes and are staying in government set-up shelters. He promised them that his government would provide all help.
Akhilesh Yadav was accompanied by state cabinet minister and Samajwadi Party leader Rajendra Choudhry.
With the situation fast returning to normal, curfew was Sunday relaxed for the day in three police station areas of Muzaffarnagar.
Around 40,000 people have taken refuge in more than 30 relief camps set up in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts. People at the camps are not ready to return to their home towns.