Samjhauta blast to derail Indo-Pak relation: Lalu

Patna, Feb 19: Confirming 66 causalities in the late last night explosion in 'Samaujhauta Express' running in between India and Pakistan, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said some vested interests have challenged the Indo-Pak cordial relations through the explosion.

Before leaving for the spot, suspending his all programmes, Mr Prasad said 64 passengers were charred alive and majority of them were Pakistani.

He said some vested interests have tried to disturb the cordial Indo-Pak relations by triggering the explosions.

Mr Prasad said three cops of Railway Protection Force (RPF) deployed in the ill fated general coaches were also killed in the incident.

An ASI Kashmira Singh, who was also in the same coach, was also charred alive.

He announced to initiate action after a thorough probe of the incident.

Mr Prasad said recovery of dangerous explosives in two bags kept in the bogies indicate the incident was 'handiwork of some vested interests'.

He said the gangman of Diwan railway station had heard the explosion sounds after which the train caught fire. He said the details of the victims would be ascertained after verification of their documents.

Mr Prasad reiterated to strengthen the safety and security measures in the trains. When asked about the possible involvement of ISI behind the incident, he said that it was difficult to say anything concrete at the moment.

UNI