Centre monitoring situation in Orissa: PM

New Delhi, Sep 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today wrote to Sister Nirmala of the Missionaries of Charity, expressing deep concern over the violent incidents in Orissa and said the Centre was monitoring the situation in the state.

''It is highly unfortunate that so much of violence has taken place. These incidents should never have happened,'' Dr Singh wrote to Sister Nirmala in reply to her August 28 letter.

''It has been emphasised to the state authorities that every step must be taken to restore normalcy, to provide protection to all communities and to bring the culprits to book. We are continuing to monitor the situation.'' The Prime Minister said he was announcing a package of assistance from the PM's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of those who had been killed and to those injured and those who had been rendered homeless.

''I am separately asking the Home Minister to advise the State Government to provide necessary protection to the houses and workers of the Missionaries of Charity,'' he wrote.

''Your distress and anguish at the incidents that have taken place in Orissa recently are fully appreciated and understood. The Central Government is deeply concerned at the situation.

''We have been constantly in touch with the State Government.

I have myself spoken to the Chief Minister.

''The Centre has made available all the forces required by the State. The State has also been assured that the Centre would be willing to render any other assistance that may be required. It has been emphasised to the State authorities that every possible step must be taken to bring back normalcy,'' he said.

UNI YJ PK HS2005