There has been a terrorist attack on a Hindu temple by Islamists , in the world's oldest city , Varanasi . Twelve people were killed , and many more seriously injured .
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The story from NDTV :
NDTV Correspondent
Tuesday, March 7, 2006 (Varanasi):
At least 12 people have been killed after twin blasts rocked parts of Varanasi on Tuesday evening.
Several others have been injured in the blasts which took place between 6:15-6:30 pm (IST).
According to some unconfirmed reports, a third blast also took place in the city.
The Home Ministry has confirmed the blasts occurred at Sankat Mochan Temple and the railway station in the cantonment area.
The injured have been taken to the SS Hospital in the Benaras Hindu University campus.
Senior officials of the district administration have reached the spot and the area has been cordoned off.
The first explosion took place outside the temple just after 6 pm (IST) when a large number of devotees were present at the peak evening aarti time.
Railway station blast
Minutes later, another blast took place outside the room of the stationmaster of the cantonment railway station.
"There's been a blast in front of the stationmaster's room. We have no reports of any casualties yet. Injuries have taken place, but we are not sure of the figures," said Sanjay Goyal, PRO, Northern Railways.
The blast at the temple set out panic and a near-stampede situation as devotees scrambled to rush out to safety.
The Sankat Mochan is situated on the Durgakund road and is among the country's most ancient temples.
Appeal for calm
Another bomb was also recovered from the Gadolia market in the city.
"Some sick mind must have done it. All communities must come together in this time of terrible tragedy," said Salman Khursheed, President, UPCC.
A high alert has been sounded in Delhi and Mumbai.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condemned the blasts and appealed for calm.
A high level meeting of Home Ministry officials is currently underway and Home Minister Shivraj Patil is expected to visit Varanasi.
I wonder how long it will be before some or the other place erupts in communal riots .
Sickening - the destruction of temples did not end with the end of the Muslim rule , apparently . The casualties are appalling . This is the second in what now appears to be a series of attacks on soft targets , particularly temples .
I say we use the right of hot pursuit and bomb the terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir . Those are the proverbial orc-pits where terrorist dogs are bred .
Links to the news story :
Rediff.com
Reuters
NDTV
Hindustan Times
The story from NDTV :
NDTV Correspondent
Tuesday, March 7, 2006 (Varanasi):
At least 12 people have been killed after twin blasts rocked parts of Varanasi on Tuesday evening.
Several others have been injured in the blasts which took place between 6:15-6:30 pm (IST).
According to some unconfirmed reports, a third blast also took place in the city.
The Home Ministry has confirmed the blasts occurred at Sankat Mochan Temple and the railway station in the cantonment area.
The injured have been taken to the SS Hospital in the Benaras Hindu University campus.
Senior officials of the district administration have reached the spot and the area has been cordoned off.
The first explosion took place outside the temple just after 6 pm (IST) when a large number of devotees were present at the peak evening aarti time.
Railway station blast
Minutes later, another blast took place outside the room of the stationmaster of the cantonment railway station.
"There's been a blast in front of the stationmaster's room. We have no reports of any casualties yet. Injuries have taken place, but we are not sure of the figures," said Sanjay Goyal, PRO, Northern Railways.
The blast at the temple set out panic and a near-stampede situation as devotees scrambled to rush out to safety.
The Sankat Mochan is situated on the Durgakund road and is among the country's most ancient temples.
Appeal for calm
Another bomb was also recovered from the Gadolia market in the city.
"Some sick mind must have done it. All communities must come together in this time of terrible tragedy," said Salman Khursheed, President, UPCC.
A high alert has been sounded in Delhi and Mumbai.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condemned the blasts and appealed for calm.
A high level meeting of Home Ministry officials is currently underway and Home Minister Shivraj Patil is expected to visit Varanasi.
Sickening - the destruction of temples did not end with the end of the Muslim rule , apparently . The casualties are appalling . This is the second in what now appears to be a series of attacks on soft targets , particularly temples .
I say we use the right of hot pursuit and bomb the terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir . Those are the proverbial orc-pits where terrorist dogs are bred .
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