Laxman pays tribute to 2010 German Bakery blast victims in Pune

Pune, Feb 13(ANI): Indian cricketer V.V.S Laxman on Sunday paid tribute to the victims of last year's German Bakery blast in Pune.

Pune had witnessed a militant attack when the city's popular German Bakery restaurant was rocked by a bomb blast on February 13, 2010, in which 17 people were killed and over 60 were injured.

It was the country's first big attack since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Laxman, along with scores of activists and concerned citizens, held a peaceful remembrance session in the memory of the victims at the site of the tragedy.

Placing a bouquet at the entrance of the German Bakery restaurant, the cricketer expressed his solidarity with the families of the blast victims.

"I think it was a very sad incident. Definitely, in a city like Pune, which is supposed to be one of the best cities in the country, such a tragedy which happened one year back, it was very sad," Laxman said.

"It is something which all of us have to take note of, because terrorism is growing rapidly in our country. It is an issue which everyone needs to address," he added.

Lauding the indomitable spirit of the Indians, which remained unshaken despite the tragedy, Laxman appealed to the masses to unite to combat extremism in all forms.

"It is great to see after one year that there is lot of progress here and that shows what strength everyone, every citizen of Pune and the country has. I think it is a common cause, it is a common fight, and everyone should fight together," Laxman said.

"Definitely, once we do that, once we show the unity and the strength, which we have been displaying for so many years, definitely this can be stopped," he added. (ANI)