The Prime Minister has said that he fully understood the anguish expressed by many people over the violent incidents in Orissa and said the centre is monitoring the situation in the state. Replying to a letter from Sister Nirmala of the Missionaries of Charity the Prime Minister said it has been emphasised to the state authorities that every step must be taken to restore normalcy.

The Prime Minister's reply to Sister Nirmala's letter is as follows:

Dear Sister Nirmala,

I have received your letter of 28 August 2008. 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. It is highly unfortunate that so much of violence has taken place. These incidents should never have happened. 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 emphasized to the State authorities that every possible step must be taken to bring back normalcy, to provide protection to all communities and to bring the culprits to book. We are continuing to monitor the situation. I am announcing a package of assistance from the PM's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of those who have been killed and to those injured and those who have 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.

With regards

Yours sincerely

Manmohan Singh