Churches in India have joined the widespread condemnation of a series of bomb blasts in the capital city of Jaipur, in the desert state of Rajasthan, killing 65 and injuring more than 200.
There were seven blasts 12 minutes apart on 14.05.08 within a 2 km radius of a busy marketplace and tourist areas in Jaipur. The city, the "Pink City", attracts 25 million tourists every year, including 1.2 million foreigners. The city gets its name from the colors of its palaces and forts. The city has a population of 2.7 million, a fairly large proportion of whom are Muslim.
"Seven explosions in a row are yet another reminder of a culture of violence," complained the National Council of Churches in India, which consists of a total of 30 Orthodox and Protestant churches.
In a statement on 14.05.08, the Council expressed its deep condolences to the families of those killed and condemned this "most inhumane terrorist attack that was targeted to kill, maim and intimidate." "It is a cowardly act and everyone should condemn it." The explosions appeared to be meant to create "panic and unrest", said Bishop Colin Theodore of the Diocese of Rajasthan under the Churches of North India.
No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions, but according to reports, cyclists used SIM cards to detonate the bombs. According to the Indian security services, militant Islamist groups supporting the insurgency in Indian Kashmir were suspected to be behind it. (ENI/Danish European Mission)
