Serial blasts rock Delhi, 18 killed, one arrested

Terrorism Correspondent
Delhi was rocked by five serial blasts which killed 18 and injured over 90. The blasts took place at Ghaffar Market, Greater Kailash I and at Connaught Place areas. All the blasts happened within the span of 45 minutes. Sadly, the death toll is continuously rising.

There were also four live bombs that have been diffused successfuly by National Security Gaurds and Bomb Squad of Delhi Police. They were at Parliament Street, Regal Cinema, Central Park (Connaught Place) and India Gate. If more bombs had gone off, the casualities might have been much higher.

The first blast happend at Ghaffar Market outside Grover's Enterprises. The bomb was kept at in a dustbin. The market has several shopkeepers who are Sikh refugees from Afghanistan. Grover's Enterprises ran a very popular shop in the area.

One blast in Connaught Place happened in the Central Park, which hosts the hub of Delhi Metro. It sent the metro services to a tizzy and trains were stopped. It resulted in several injuries. Another blast in Connaught Place happened at near Gopal Das Building. Indian railways has reported that trains will be running normally.

Fourth and fifth blasts were at M-block Market in Greater Kailash-1. The market is very popular with mostly young women to buy accessories and has many upscale outlets.

In a major development, there is a 'significant' arrest made related to bomb blasts. Police declined to give any further details.

An eyewitness was also picked up by police who saw the terrorists. These terrorists were riding in an auto and were wearing black pathani suits.

There are many CCTV cameras in M-block market and Ghaffar market. They are expected to give out some clues.

There are jams in the city in the areas adjoining the blasts. One of the eyewitnesses who was there in CP drove back to her home in GK-1. She has reported massive jams from both areas.

There are several stories of people rising to occassion during the blasts and helping each other. Sadly, these stories are hardly reported by mainstream media. After initial panic, there were scores of people who came out to help those injured and took the wounded to hospital. Ambulences by CATS (1099) and hospitals took immediate care of those who were injured. Just like Gujarat, several people came out to donate blood and help people.

Incidently, Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister had accused the Congress government yesterday of being too soft on terror to appeal to vote bank of Muslims. He had asked for a strong law to control terrorism.

The blasts mockery of all claims of peace and security of Congress. A government which has been appeasing Muslims everyday with a series of soaps is solely responsible for terrorism in our country.

A Prime Minister, who cannot sleep because a terror suspect is behind bars, and claims that Muslims has first rights to assests of the country is staying in his high security Race Course Road house or South Block and would not know what people go through.

Delhi Police is an underpaid overworked force who's only means of survival is to earn from petty bribes. Infrastructure in police stations dates back to medivial times in the day and age when terrorists use Google Earth and satellite imagery to plan hi-tech explosive devices.

Indian Army is one of the most underpaid forces in any economy of India's scale. How long are they expected to stay strong just for the love of their country?

India should fire a missile at ISI headquarters as a retaliation of terror attacks in India. Security agencies are tired of giving evidence of their involvement in all terror attacks on Indian soil.

But will Indian Prime Minister do so? No. He'll just give another drab speech (which is heard only because of his post and not his oratory skills) and will announce a financial compensation to those who die.

The Home Minister, meanwhile, has been busy preparing his speech for the seminar on terrorism starting Monday. The Asia Pacific chapter of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is organizing an 'International Seminar on Terrorism' on September 15-16, 2008. India presently chairs the Asia Pacific World Regional Office of the IACP, and in that capacity, is the organizer of the Seminar.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Shivraj V. Patil will inaugurate the Seminar while Shri M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser will deliver the keynote address. It is funny that with no terror law in place hardworking, underpaid and overworked police force, no centralized intelligence, and a habit of acquitting terrorist, India is still the hosting the conference. What will the other countries learn? Start a train, bus and road service to Pakistan to facilitate movements? Don't attack terrorists during Ramzan?

It is Ramzan right now. The terrorists are attacking. Congress is too busy organizing Iftaar parties.

Today Sonia Gandhi also attacked BJP for not supporting the nuclear deal. She claims that it fully protects India's strategic needs. She congratulated Manmohan Singh for his 'alleged' leadership and sustained efforts. With Congress in power, India neither has a strategy nor needs. The leaders are reeking in cash by selling airports, SEZ and other scams. General public, who has needs get the gift of high prices and no security.

A common man who works hard for 20 years to just see a child getting old enough to stand on his feet does not really deserve to see their mangled dead bodies. With 12.36% service tax, high value-added tax, income tax, etc. everyone is contributing to make our nation secure but government seems to be wasting it in organizing seminars on terrorism rather than doing its duty towards the people.

Names of terror outfits ISI and SIMI are being quoted for this attack. There was yet again mail by Indian Mujahuddin attempted to distract the attention away from the two outfits.

A spokesperson from Prime Minister's Office said that the Prime Minister 'strongly comdemned the serial blasts and appealed to people to maintain calm and peace.' Well, Prime Minister, the people were at peace when they were bombed by terrorists. When they die, they are at peace and the families will be in sadness for a long time to come. When are you making terrorists have peace? These appeals won't do you any good. The statement is, sadly, the same which is given out after every blasts.

There are never statements that are made by the Prime Minister to do something against terrorists. There are neither any honest feelings of sadness expressed. It was same during Gujarat blasts. The exact statement then was: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also condemned the attacks, and urged people to remain calm. Whereas Narendra Modi was more vocal and had said that land of Mahatma Gandhi has been bloodied by terrorists whom we shall not spare.