Rajya Sabha pays homage to tsunami victims in Japan

Members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed deep sorrow over the death of thousands of people in Japan in a devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, chairman Hamid Ansari read out a message expressing "heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences" to the "friendly people" of Japan, who have lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy.

"It is indeed a tragedy of incalculable magnitude... I am sure the House will join me....to pray for early recovery of those who have been injured," Ansari said requesting members to observe silence in the memory of those killed.

The members observed silence as a mark of respect to the departed.