Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday visited riot torn Bodoland Territorial Administered Districts (BTAD) in north east state of Assam and called for an immediate end to the violence which left 48 people dead and 500,000 homeless and assured the refugees of a "proper enquiry."

Singh visited the relief camps housing the victims of clashes between Bodo tribesmen and Muslims since July 20 which he described as "blot on Indian nation." Singh is elected from Assam to the Rajya Sabha, the upper of Indian parliament.

He appealed to the people to foster peace and harmony.

He said, "The ethnic conflict which has occurred is unacceptable and must come to a stop," the prime minister said in his interaction with the media following a visit to a relief camp where around 1,500 people driven out of their homes are staying at present.

"I have come here to share your sorrow and pain. This is a time for healing... This is no time for recriminations. We need to first help the people to rehabilitate and bring peace," he said.

In reply to a question, he said, "Yes, there will be a proper inquiry into the circumstances of these tragic incidents."

He also said, "We must address causes of the conflict. We will work closely with state government to provide sense of security to all the effected areas, ensuring that they all go back to their houses in the knowledge that their lives and livelihood are secure. "

Singh was accompanied by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor J.B. Patnaik on his visit to the riot-hit parts of the state.

The prime minister also spoke to Bodo Territorial Area Council chief Hagrama Mohilary and Kokrajhar MP S.K. Bwiswamuthiary after the his survey of the area.

Later, before leaving for New Delhi, a delegation of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) led by its chief Badaruddin Ajmal met the prime minister at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and requested him to ensure the safety and security of Muslims in the area.

Ajmal also submitted a memorandum to the prime minister, urging him to dissolve the Bodoland Territorial Council that runs the administration in four districts on the ground of total breakdown of law and order in there.