PM offers ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to victims' families

President Pratibha Patil has strongly condemned Saturday's serial blasts in Ahmedabad city.

In her message Patil asked the people to maintain peace and communal harmony.

She expressed deep shock at the incident and said the perpetrators were targeting the country's peace and harmony of the country.

She also wished those injured in the blasts a speedy recovery.

Condemning the serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of those dead.

He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those injured in the blasts.

He has expressed grief over the loss of lives and sent his condolences to the families of the bereaved, the PM's media adviser Sanjaya Baru said in a statement.

Condemning the serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad, the Centre has assured all possible assistance to the state government in the investigations.

The Union home ministry was in constant touch with the Gujarat police, the state chief secretary and state administration, seeking details of the blasts, Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told reporters in New Delhi.

Gupta spoke to the Gujarat chief secretary and the director general of police and sought a detailed report about the blasts.

He said all possible assistance would be rendered to the state government in the investigations and apprehending those responsible for the blasts.