Terror strikes again – Blasts in Indo-Pak special train kills 68

In a suspected terror attack, 68 people, including some Pakistani nationals, were killed in explosions in two coaches of the Delhi-Attari special train Samjhauta Express for Lahore at Deewana near Panipat, about 100 km from Delhi. Several people were also injured in the incident, which the Northern Railway (Indian Railways) said was a clear case of sabotage.

The explosions in the train took place at 11.55 pm on Sunday night. The bi-weekly train left the Old Delhi railway station at 10.40 pm.

Preliminary examination of the material found in the two charred coaches of the Samjhauta Express has revealed that a deadly mix of kerosene, sulphur and potassium nitrate (low grade) was used for the explosives, official sources said on Monday. These materials were packed in clothes and a timer device in suitcases, the sources said.

A senior police officer said a Pakistani national has also given information to police regarding some explosive being planted on the train.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh while condemning the "heinous" bombing of the Samjhauta Express from New Delhi vowed not to allow such acts of terror to derail the Indo-Pak peace process.

Dr Singh, who received a call from his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz, said India was committed to doing everything possible to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous act were punished.

World leaders also condemned the terror strike and expressed hope that it would not derail the Indo-Pak peace process.

*Picture courtesy Rediff.com

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