Ban Ki-moon condemns terrorist blasts in India

New York, Feb 20 (UNI) Strongly condemning the blasts aboard the Samjhauta Express yesterday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the perpetrators of the shocking attack should be punished.

''This heinous crime cannot be justified by any cause and its perpetrators should be brought to justice, '' Mr Ban said.

The Secretary-General extended his deep condolences to the families of the innocent victims as well as the governments of both India and Pakistan.

The Secretary-General expressed his satisfaction that the leaders of the two countries have reaffirmed their determination to continue on the path of dialogue.

''I am encouraged by the strong reaction among the various communities in the subcontinent and their common resolve to thwart the motives of the terrorists,'' he said.

At least 68 people, mostly Pakistanis, were killed and 13 injured when terrorists triggered blasts in the Delhi-Attari Samjhauta Express at Shiva village in Panipat district yesterday.

UNI