Assures all help in rebuilding

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday announced an interim relief of Rs 1,000 crore for immediate relief works and the restoration of infrastructure in earthquake-ravaged Sikkim.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday announced an interim relief of Rs 1,000 crore for immediate relief works and the restoration of infrastructure in earthquake-ravaged Sikkim.

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He also assured full help in rebuilding the state, where the tremor struck on September 18.

Singh, who landed here at the army's helipad after doing an aerial survey of north Sikkim, totally cut off from other parts of the state, said, "The amount will be invested in rebuilding the state, using earthquake-resistant scientific and technological methods and other infrastructure."

Officially the number of those who died is 60.

Singh said, "The restoration of national monuments and religious institutions will get priority."