NEW DELHI: At least 25 People were killed in a powerful bomb blast in the Capital’s crowded Lajpat Nagar market of South Delhi last week. The toll is likely to go up as many others are said to be seriously injured. The total number of injured is said to be over 40, Kashmiri militants have already claimed responsibility for the blast.
Many people were feared trapped in three ‘buildings of the busy central market, the site of the explosion, these buildings have been extensively damaged and could collapse anytime now.
Attempts were being made to find bodies and rescue those who may possibly be alive
In less than 30 minutes after the ‘explosion, four persons were declared “brought dead” at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) while three persons died in the Safdar jung H and two in Mool chand Hospital.
A1 in hand a major fire was raging at the site of the explosion, Firemen and police Personnel were battling the blaze when reports fast came in.
Early reports suggested that the explosives had been packed INS car and went off around 6:45 p.m. Eye witnesses, however, spoke of two simultaneous explosions which nipped through the market. Windows of several shops were shattered by the impact of the blast which was heard at least two kilometers away. Two Kashmin militant outfits later claimed responsibility for the Dhart at Laipat Nagar market.
A man, who claimed he was the spokesman of the Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front, said that the Front and the Lashkarc Sajjad had taken “this serious step to thwart the Government’s efforts to hold elections in the Valley.”
| ‘The man, who refused to identify himself, claimed he was speaking from Srinagar. He said “the act was also to take revenge for the killings in Kashmir.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said no stone would be left unturned to bring to book those responsible for the bomb blast. Expressing deep shock and grieve over the loss of lives and property in the blast, Vajpayee asserted “we will not be cowed down by such incidents.”
‘The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure adequate relief to the victims.
“This is the second major explosion in Delhi in recent weeks.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 29, 1996
