Surat City limping back to normalcy

Surat, Jul 31 (UNI) The diamond city of Surat was gradually limping back to normal today with educational institutions, markets, shopping malls and cinema halls functioning normally after three days of closure following the recovery of 26 live bombs since the serial blasts in Ahmedabad, that left 49 dead and 150 injured.

The Varachha area, where the major diamond cutting and polishing factories are located, was bustling with activity. People in the Varachha area seemed to be relaxed after the recovery of a large number of live bombs and two abandoned cars laden with explosives.

State Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited the city yesterday and issued directives to the law enforcing agency on effective handling of the situation.

He also announced a reward of Rs 51 lakh for anyone providing key information leading to the arrest of terrorists in the state and Rs 21,000 for those informing police about the bombs found in public places.

Police sources said since this morning there was no report of recovery of explosives or live bombs. However, police have intensified patrolling and initiated adequate police bandobust in all parts of the city to prevent any untoward incident.

Checking of cars, especially those with dark films, was continuing.

Meanwhile, Surat Municipal Corporation has removed all hoardings placed on the city's flyovers, as a preventive manner, after recovery of a live bomb from the Varachha flyover on Tuesday.

As many as 26 live bombs have so far been recovered from various parts of Surat city and defused by the bomb disposal squads.

UNI PVN OBB RR KN1943