Pakistan charge of Indian hand in Lahore blasts denied

Even while India "unequivocally condemned” the series of bomb blasts in Lahore on March 12, which claimed the lives of scores of people, including innocent civilians, New Delhi on Saturday expressed its "deep disappointment " over the charges by Pakistan regarding its involvement in the blasts.

India said it was unfortunate that by repeating such "unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations" that country puts strain on the bilateral relationship. India rejected charges of any involvement in such acts or activities and said Pakistan should "concentrate on dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism directed against India and adversely impacting on Pakistan itself". ”Our condolences go out to the families of those killed by these acts of terrorism," the External affairs ministry said in a statement.

"At the same time, the government is deeply disappointed by statements emanating from Pakistan alleging an Indian hand in yesterday's attacks in Lahore, and other terrorist acts and disturbances elsewhere in Pakistan. ”

"We categorically reject, once again, the allegations of India's involvement in such acts or activities. Government has reiterated on several occasions, and at the highest level, that India has no interest in destabilising Pakistan," the ministry statement said.

Taliban terrorists on Friday struck in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore with two near-simultaneous suicide attacks targeting the Army in the cantonment area, killing 45 people, including 10 soldiers, and injuring 100 others. Hours later, three blasts rocked a crowded market in Punjab's provincial capital. In the second major attack in the city within a week, the bombers, who were on foot, hit vehicles of the Garrison Security Force patrolling the cantonment near a mosque in the busy RA Bazar area at 12.48 p.m. local time. An unidentified caller claimed responsibility for the attack on behalf of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan while talking to Geo News channel.

Kochi alert over Lashkar threat

The Union home ministry has asked Police in the southern Ste of Kerala, to step up security in Kochi following Intelligence inputs that Lashkar-e-Taiba militants may attempt to strike the coastal city. Following the inputs, Union home secretary Gopal K Pillai spoke to Kochi police commissioner Manoj Abraham and asked him to beef up security in and around the city, official sources said.

The commercial capital of Kerala hosts Southern Command of Indian Navy, a famous Jewish synagogue, Kochi Shipyard and some other sensitive installations.

The Kochi backwaters frequented by foreign and domestic tourists, are also believed to be under the radar of terror groups. International cruise ships and yachts are often anchored at the Kochi harbour.

Kerala home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that in Thiruvananthapuram the state DGP received some information from the Centre and steps have been taken on that basis. High alert machinery has been put on active mode following the receipt of the information. The security at the nearby Nedumbassery International Airport and coastal surveillance had been increased.

The Kadaloram Jagratta samitis, a committee of fishermen, have been asked to be on the lookout for any suspicious movements on the coastal stretches. The Centre had recently put on alert Bangalore, Mumbai and Union territory of Puducherry about possible terror attacks.

- Asian Tribune -