Delhi CM announces compensation package for victims

New Delhi, Sep 13 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit announced an ex gratia payment of Rs five lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in the serial blasts that rocked the National Capital this evening.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the state Cabinet convened late in the night.

Making the announcement, the Chief Minister said those injured will be given Rs 50,000. ''Their treatment will also be free, be it at government or private hospital,'' she said.

In a message to the people of Delhi, the Chief Minister also appealed to people of Delhi to stand strong and face the situation with calm and fortitude.

Ms Dikshit expressed grief at the loss of lives in the tragedy and condemned the blasts in strongest terms.

She said the state government would take full care of those injured in the incident. She will be visiting the RML hospital where a large number of the injured have been admitted, she added.

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