New Delhi, Jan. 2 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sanctioned an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 200,000 to next of kin of those killed and Rs. 100,000 for the seriously injured in the Thursday's serial bomb blasts.

Dr. Singh has expressed grief over death of people in the three bomb blasts that took place at three places in Assam's capital.

The explosions occurred at Birubari, Bhootnath, Bhangagarh areas in Guwahati. The first bomb blast occurred in Guwahati''s Birubari area at 2.25 in the afternoon, the second in Bhootnath area at 5.15 p. m, and the third blast took place near Big Bazar outlet in Bhangarh area at 5.50 p. m.

Meanwhile, Home Minister P. Chidambaram today visited the Guwahati Medical College Hospital to meet the injured. He spent about
30 minutes in the hospital and directed the doctors to give the best possible medical care to the injured.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today said that militancy will be dealt with firmly for restoration of normalcy and development in the North East.

Condemning Thursday''s blasts in Guwahati in which five people were killed and over 50 injured, he expressed confidence that Assam police would arrest those guilty.

"A massive manhunt was launched for a person who was involved in yesterday''s blast," he added.

On October 30, 2008, Assam witnessed serial blasts that left 88 people dead. (ANI)