Saturday, January 8 2005 11:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Port Blair: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reassured the people of the tsunami hit Andaman and Nicobar that the Centre would do everything possible to deal with the tragedy and reconstruct the Islands.

''The people here have suffered unprecedented devastation and I have come here to reassure them that the Government of India will do everything within its power to deal with the massive tragedy,'' Singh told newsmen after his arrival from Chennai at the INS Utkrosh airport in Port Blair.

He said that the relief and rescue operation in the Island are being carried out with commendable efficiency. ''Now is the time to think about rehabilitation. We will put all our resources in the task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of this beautiful Island.''

The Prime Minister, who arrived here by a special IAF (Indian Air Force) aircraft at around 9:10 hrs (IST), immediately left for Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay, the worst hit Islands.

Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia was also with the Prime Minister, who was received at the airport by Lt Governor Ram Kapse, Commandar-in-Chief in Andaman and Nicobar Lt Gen B S Thakur and other senior civil and military officers.