"People across the Indian sub-continent have felt the pain and anguish of those who have lost their loved ones and their livelihoods in the earthquake that ravaged Jammu and Kashmir, on both sides of the Line of Control, and parts of Pakistan.

Neither nature's fury nor human compassion recognise political boundaries. It is in our culture to help one's own and one's neighbours in an hour of need.

The Central Government is extending all cooperation and assistance to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to provide relief and enable rehabilitation. The Government of India has also offered help and assistance to the Government of Pakistan.

I am sure Indian civil society will step forward and contribute to the relief and rehabilitation effort. I appeal to every concerned citizen of our Republic to donate generously to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to help us help those in need.

Manmohan Singh"