PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday sent his condolences to Mr Michael Puhaindran, the husband of Singaporean lawyer Loh Hwei Yen, 28, who was killed in the Mumbai hostage standoff at the Oberoi Hotel there, and his family.

In his condolence letter, PM Lee, who first learnt about the terrorist attacks while he was in Santiago, Chile, said terrorism is a threat that knows no boundaries, adding the Ms Lo's tragic death brings brings home to everyone the reality of this terrorist threat, and how important it is to keep the guard up and defeat it.

Here is Mr Lee's letter, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday:

'Mr Michael Stephen Puhaindran,

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of your wife, Ms Lo Hwei Yen. On behalf of all Singaporeans, please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.

I first learnt about the terrorist attacks in Mumbai when I was in Santiago, Chile. My immediate concern was whether any Singaporeans were caught up in the situation.

Many Singaporeans travel and work all over Asia. So I was sure a good number would have been in Mumbai when the attacks happened.

As reports came in, we learnt that several Singaporeans were either in the vicinity of the attacks, or trapped in the Oberoi and Taj Mahal hotels.

We also learnt from you that Hoei Yen had been taken hostage by the terrorists.

I knew that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had arranged for you to fly to Mumbai, and was in touch with the Indian government. I wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to express Singapore's support and to offer our help to secure the safe release of the hostages.

Tragically, despite the efforts of the Indian security forces, they could not rescue Hoei Yen.

This is the first time a Singaporean has been a victim of a terrorist attack. Terrorism is a threat that knows no boundaries.

This is a family tragedy for you, but it also brings home to all of us the reality of this terrorist threat, and how important it is to keep up our guard and defeat it.

All Singaporeans feel for you and your family in this time of grief.

Words will not count for much, but I hope the knowledge that you are in our thoughts, and have the sympathies of all of us will comfort and support you at this dark and painful moment. The Singapore Government will do everything necessary to assist you and your family."

With deepest sympathies

Yours sincerely

Lee Hsien Loong

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