UN chief deplores deadly bombings in two Indian cities

United Nations, Jul 29 (UNI) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the series of bombings that struck the two Indian cities of Bangalore and Ahmedabad -- in recent days, killing and wounding numerous civilians.

Over 50 people have reportedly been killed and more than 100 wounded as a result of the 17 blasts which struck residential areas, market places, public transportation and hospitals within an hour on Saturday in the western city of Ahmedabad.

That attack came a day after several devices went off in Bangalore, killing two people.

''The Secretary-General sends his deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, the wounded and the people and Government of India,'' the UN spokesperson said in a statement.

He reiterates that no cause or grievance can justify terrorist acts of this kind and appeals for restraint in the face of such provocation, it added.

UNI XC AK VP0747