PM promises help to Jha's wife

New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured the wife of Cement Corporation of India official Kailash Nath Jha, who died in Asom earlier this week after being kidnapped by militants, that the Centre would extend all possible assistance to her.

''The government will take all possible measures to extend you the benefits and other assistance as permitted by law,'' Dr Singh said in a letter to Ms Jha in Samastipur, Bihar.

The Prime Minister said words were inadequate to convey his deep sense of shock and pain at the untimely demise of Mr Jha which had caused irreparable loss to her family and the Cement Corporation.

''In his unfortunate passing away, yet another precious life has been cruelly snatched away from us. The government of India shares your grief and stand by you and your family at this difficult time...This tragic loss has shocked the nation and the people ''Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey it to other members of the berieved family. May the Providence give you strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. I pray for peace for the departed soul,'' he said.

Yesterday, Dr Singh had condemned the kidnapping.

UNI