Blast scares devotees away from 'Istema'

Hyderabad, May 19 (UNI) The Mecca Masjid blast which killed 16 people and left more than 50 injured had its impact on the 'Istema' (religious conference) being held in the city from today.

Lakhs of devotees were expected to participate in the Istema, being hosted again after 1994 in the Chandrayanagutta area of the Old City, from not only from various districts of the state, but also from other parts of the country.

However, participation of devotees were not to the expected levels following the bomb blast in the historic Mecca Masjid.

Police were frisking each participant of the Istema with metal detectors before allowing them inside. Large posse of policemen were posted at the venue to meet any eventuality.

UNI