Leaders condemn Mumbai serial blasts

Leaders from all political parties
have condemned the serial blasts that
rocked congested areas of Mumbai
Wednesday evening, killing at least 20
people and injuring over 100.
The blasts took place in three areas of south
Mumbai - near Kabutarkhana in Dadar West,
Zaveri Bazar and Opera House, the jewellery
hubs of Mumbai - around 7 p.m.
Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan
condemned the near-simultaneous
explosions causing loss of life and injuries
to innocent citizens.
Sankaranarayanan, who was in Delhi,
rushed back to Mumbai on hearing the
news.
In a statement issued here, he said: "The
news of terrorists striking in the commercial
capital of India in the rush hour of the
evening today is shocking and shows the
desperate levels the terrorists have
stooped."
"I convey my sympathies to the families of
the victims of the blasts and wish speedy
recovery to the injured," he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the
Nationalist Congress Party assured of
thorough investigation into the blasts and
appealed to Mumbaikars to not pay heed to
rumours and stay alert.
"Help will be extended to all victims in all
possible manner. However, it is still early to
tell the hand behind the blasts," he said.
Opposition leader Eknath Khadse of the
Bharatiya Janata party condemned the
attacks. "I sympathise with the relatives of
those killed and injured," he said.
State president of Samajwadi Pary Abu Azmi
said: "Police should be strict in investigating
the bomb blasts that have killed many and
injured more than 100 people," he said.
Azmi appealed to people not to make a
communal issue out of the blasts and help
each other and police in bringing the guilty
to books.
"The blasts should not be associated with
any specific religion or community. The
police should also not catch hold of those
who are not guilty for the crime," Azmi said.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said: "It is
unfortunate and disgusting. I strongly
condemn the blasts."
Former minister of state Gurudas Kamat also
condemned the attacks and said that the
guilty should be brought to book as soon as
possible.