Candle peace march taken out on 15th anniv of serial blasts

Mumbai, Mar 12 (UNI) Mumbaikars today took out a ''candle light'' peace march to observe the 15th anniversary of the serial blasts which rocked the commercial capital of the country on this day.

The march was organised by an NGO -- ''Citizens For a Better Tomorrow'' and led by former Mumbai Sheriff F T Khurakiwala. It began from the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, recalling the lengthiest trial in the country's judicial history, told UNI.

''I was virtually in jail all these years since the trial was conducted in the Arthur Road Jail for security reasons.'' The special TADA court here convicted 100 accused under different sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms and Explosive Act and TADA.

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt was also convicted under the Arms Act.

However, the trial of extradited underworld don Abu Salem has been separated and is still pending.

Meanwhile, security was tightened in sensitive areas in the city today on the anniversary and also in view of the gunning down of two suspected Bangladeshi terrorists.

In the serial blasts, 257 people had lost their lives and several hundred others sustained injuries, while property worth crores of rupees was damaged.

UNI ST/GS MAZ SW RK2040