Hyderabad Blasts: How death, destruction leave city numb

Hyderabad, Feb 22: Hyderabad woke up to a sad and sombre Friday morning, after twin bomb blasts rocked the city on Thursday evening.

The devastating blasts occurred in Hyderabad's Dilsukh Nagar, a crowded area, where mostly lower middle class people reside.

According to Home Minister SushilKumar Shinde, who visited the blast site on Friday told media that 14 people were killed and 119 injured in the tragedy. Sources indicate toll could rise further.

Hyderabad is not new to terror attacks. Since 2002, Hyderabad has been jolted by several terror attacks. In 2002, two people were killed in blast at Sai Baba Temple, Dilsukh Nagar, in May 18, 2007, 14 were killed in blast at Mecca Masjid and in August 25, 2007, 42 people were killed in two blasts at Gokul Chat shop.

Thursday's human tragedy left everyone numbed.

"How can innocent people be targetted? Those who were killed and injured are common people. Why always innocent people die in India?," asked a distraught Iqbal, a resident of Hyderabad.

Stalin K, a Hyderabad-based filmmaker, who is currently on a trip to Bangalore was shocked to learn the news.

"It's a huge tragedy. Government needs to end the terror saga. Every time, innocent lives were lost in terror attacks. Why the government is silent spectator to such repeated tragedies across the country?" questioned Stalin.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has joined condemning the terrorist attack in Hyderabad.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks against civilians which occurred in the Indian city of Hyderabad," said a statement issued by the office of the UN Secretary General on Thursday.

"He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of India," the statement said.

OneIndia News