Kashmir militants claim Delhi blasts
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-31 07:20

LIFE GOES ON

Domestic and foreign tourists, who regularly come here, were walking around and taking photographs. Hawkers and icecream-sellers were doing brisk business.

"It is a sad event but life has to go on," said Meenakshi Dutta, a tourist from Kolkata.

The blasts came as Indian and Pakistani officials meeting in Islamabad agreed to open their Kashmir frontier to help victims of this month's devastating earthquake, the latest step in a peace process opposed by Islamic Kashmiri separatists.

Pakistan, the U.N., the U.S. and other countries condemned the attacks, especially coming at such a sensitive time.

India has blamed previous attacks on Pakistan-based militants. But the country is also racked by scores of revolts and in May two blasts blamed on Sikh separatists killed one person and wounded dozens in Delhi.

The blasts struck two markets and near a bus at another as dusk fell across the capital of 14 million people, a time when bazaars were packed with people shopping for special sweets and last minute presents for the coming festivals.

"There was a huge sound," said Sunita, who lives near one of the markets, popular with foreign backpackers. "I saw many people lying on the ground. I saw a child's arm cut off and somebody else's brain smashed out. It was very bad. Very bad."

Charred bodies, blood, glass and smoking debris littered the scenes as rescuers pulled out the dead and injured.

Prime Minister Singh appealed for calm. "These terrorists wish to spread a sense of fear and suspicion among our peace-loving people," he said.

"These blasts have been timed to create disaffection during the festive season when people of all communities are celebrating our national festivals. We shall defeat their nefarious designs."