PM assures assistance to victims of Orissa violence

New Delhi, Sep 1 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today assured a delegation led by former Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy that the Central government has taken very serious notice of the happenings in Orissa.

Dr. Singh said that he has personally spoken to the Orissa's Chief Minister Navin Patnaik to ensure communal harmony and bring to book the culprits behind the violent incidents.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the Orissa Chief Minister has assured firm action in the matter.

The Central government will provide assistance to the family members of persons who have lost their lives and those victims who have been permanently incapacitated in the incidents in Orissa under a recently finalized Central scheme for assistance to victims of communal violence.

In addition a package of assistance to the people who have suffered in the incidents, including those rendered destitute and homeless and support for repair of houses damaged including orphanages, will be provided from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

The delegation led by Chandy included some Members of Parliament and the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

ANI