Terror stalks Surat as 18 bombs traced and defused

Ahmedabad, Jul 29 (UNI) Tension spread in Surat as 18 bombs, planted in the city, were traced and defused by the bomb disposal squad today, two days after serial blasts rocked Ahmedabad claiming 49 lives and injuring more than 150 others.

Though the diamond city had been free of blasts so far, citizens there were undergoing considerable tension as since the Ahmedabad blasts, live bombs were found in several parts at regular intervals.

The first bomb was planted in a provision store's shutter located just behind the Labeshwar Police Chowky.

The finding of 18 bombs in Surat city this morning clearly sent a message to citizens of the state that the operating militant group was still camping and active in Gujarat.

A top police official, on condition of anonymity, said police was exploring both possiblities that either the militant groups had a strong base in Varachha area as surprisingly, all the bombs planted today were in Varachha police station areas or it was just a trap to mislead them, while the militants could target other places.

City police commissioner R M S Brar said the diamond city will remain closed tomorrow in view of the tense situation.

Addressing a press conference, he said that till now around 18 bombs have been located and defused and some people detained for questioning.

He said schools, colleges and cinema theatres will remain closed tomorrow, along with the textile and diamond industries, whose representatives met the police commissioner and expressed their willingness to keep the industries closed, in view of the current situation.

He thanked people for supporting police in a difficult time.

Mr Brar said it will be better, if both the industries remain closed tomorrow. He asked people not to panic and maintain vigil. He has appealed to the people not to venture out in crowded places.

Gujarat government has asked Surat administration to keep the situation under control and maintain peace.

Meanwhile, more police force has been called from Vadodara. A police team from Udaipur is also in the town in connection with the serial blasts case.

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