New Delhi, October 22 2008: Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh today strongly condemned the bomb blast at Imphal.

While expressing grief over the loss of lives in the Imphal blast, the Prime Minister sanctioned ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the tune of Rs1 lakh each to the next of kin of the persons killed and Rs 50,000 each to the persons seriously injured in the bomb blast which took place yesterday in Imphal.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Shivraj Patil has also strongly condemned yesterday's explosion in Imphal.

In his statement issued here today, Shivraj Patil said, "I condemn the bomb blast which took place in Imphal in the evening of 21st October, 2008 .

I convey my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for quick recovery of the injured".

By targeting innocent people, anti-National elements have tried to spread panic among people, but the Government is determined to take effective action against such elements" .

He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is in close touch with the Manipur Government and will provide any assistance required.

He further stated that the Government of India is committed to establishment of peace in the North-East and ensuring all-round development of the region.

Dr Th Meinya, MP from Manipur has also condemned the incident.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families of those killed and prayed for quick recovery of those injured.