— Photo: N. Ravi Kumar

Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday appealed to the nation to donate generously in order to ensure quick and maximum help to the earthquake victims in Jammu and Kashmir. He also assured all help and support to Pakistan in providing relief and rebuilding its quake-ravaged areas.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion of Dussehra at the Parade Ground here, Dr. Singh said: "Hundreds of people have died due to the devastating earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir while a large number of them have been injured and rendered homeless. It is a serious matter and I appeal to all citizens to donate generously in cash and kind."

Expressing his grief over the widespread destruction in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said the whole nation was with them in this sad moment. "Together both nations should work together to come out of this difficult time. India is ready to provide all help and support to its neighbour."

United Progressive Alliance chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi B. L. Joshi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also took part in the Vijayadasami celebrations. They released pigeons and multi-coloured balloons as a mark of peace and prosperity.

The organisers, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, donated Rs. 2.5 lakhs to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

"A national calamity"

The earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir will be treated as a "national calamity,'' Dr. Singh said on Tuesday. During his daylong visit to the affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir, he also announced an additional grant of Rs. 500 crores.

The Prime Minister assured full Central assistance in rebuilding infrastructure and houses, according to Home Secretary V.K. Duggal, who accompanied him.

Mr. Duggal said about 33,000 houses were damaged; half of them were razed.

Dr. Singh said the demands for drinking water, medicines, health teams, soap, utensils and food were being met.

The Prime Minister, who met some of the injured in a Srinagar hospital, asked the administration to take care of orphans and elderly citizens and put in place a support system for them.

Azad for liaison work

On Wednesday, Dr. Singh told a high level review meeting here that he had asked Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to remain in Jammu and Kashmir for the next one week to liaise between the State Government and the Centre in relief work. He would keep the Centre informed of the State's requirements.

Briefing reporters after chairing a meeting of an inter-ministerial group, Mr. Duggal said the Army, the Air Force and paramilitary forces would rebuild six villages, which were completely devastated. The villages have not yet been selected but it is likely that they will be in Uri and Tangdhar, which suffered the maximum devastation.

On relief supplies, Mr. Duggal said the affected areas would get an adequate number of tents, woollen clothing and blankets within the next few days.

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