The Hindu Business Line : ‘AP blasts were terror attacks’

Hyderabad, Aug. 26 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy on Sunday announced ex-gratia for the families of those killed in the twin blasts that rocked Hyderabad, leaving 42 dead and over 50 injured on Saturday night, and described the incident as terrorist attacks.

Briefing newspersons after an emergency Cabinet meet, Dr Reddy said evidence showed this was the handiwork of terrorist outfits from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Apart from Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those killed in the blast, he said a Government job would be provided to one member of each bereaved family. The Government will also pay Rs 20,000 each to those injured in the blasts, besides meeting the treatment costs at the corporate hospitals where they are currently being treated.

The Cabinet meet unanimously passed a resolution condemning the terrorists who perpetrated the attacks and offered condolences to the bereaved families. The Cabinet lauded the exemplary behaviour of the citizens in these times of adversity.

The Chief Minister sought to clarify that it would not be appropriate to describe the incidents as intelligence failure. The nature and scope of terrorist activity has spread worldwide and incidents planned in one country get executed in some other country. In such a scenario, it would be difficult for a State alone to pre-empt such incidents.

The investigations have already unearthed a lot of information, which cannot be divulged at this point in time. However, evidence shows there are similarities in the attack at Macca Masjid earlier this year and the blasts on Saturday.

Dr Reddy sought the cooperation of political parties in bringing peace and tranquillity to the city and instilling confidence in people.

Later, the Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil, who visited Hyderabad, expressed the Centre’s concern over the incident and agreed to provide all necessary support in tracing the perpetrators. However, he refused to divulge the Government’s approach in the investigations.

The Chairman of CII-Southern Region, Mr Pradipta K. Mohapatra, has in a statement condemned the terrorist attacks.

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