Terror Attacks In Delhi Under UPA Government

During the UPA regime, Delhi experienced several significant bombings, notably in 2005 and 2008. These attacks targeted crowded and high-profile areas, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread fear. Here’s a detailed account of these incidents:

2005 Delhi Bombings

Date: October 29, 2005

Locations:

  1. Paharganj Market
  2. Sarojini Nagar Market
  3. Govindpuri area

Details:

  • The bombings occurred just two days before the Hindu festival of Diwali and the Islamic festival of Eid, targeting crowded markets where people were busy shopping.
  • Paharganj Market: The first blast took place at around 5:38 PM near the New Delhi Railway Station, killing many and injuring several others.
  • Sarojini Nagar Market: A powerful explosion at 6:05 PM in one of the busiest markets in Delhi caused significant casualties and damage. The blast led to fires in several shops.
  • Govindpuri Area: The third blast occurred on a bus in the Govindpuri area at around 6:30 PM, killing four passengers and injuring several others.

Casualties:

  • Deaths: Over 60 people
  • Injuries: More than 200 people

Perpetrators:

  • The Islamic extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was suspected of being behind the attacks, although there were also indications of involvement by the Bangladesh-based group Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI).

Impact:

  • The bombings led to a state of high alert in Delhi and other major cities in India.
  • Security measures were heightened, and an extensive investigation was launched to apprehend the culprits.
  • The attacks were a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism faced by India’s capital.

2008 Delhi Bombings

Date: September 13, 2008

Locations:

  1. Connaught Place (Central Park)
  2. Greater Kailash (M-Block Market)
  3. Karol Bagh (Gaffar Market)
  4. Barakhamba Road
  5. India Gate

Details:

  • The bombings were a series of five coordinated explosions in busy and crowded areas of Delhi within a span of about 45 minutes.
  • Karol Bagh: The first blast occurred at 6:10 PM in the Gaffar Market area, where an explosive device in a car led to significant casualties.
  • Connaught Place: Two explosions followed at Central Park and Barakhamba Road, causing panic and chaos.
  • Greater Kailash: Two more blasts occurred in the M-Block Market area, another popular shopping destination.
  • India Gate: A bomb was found and defused near the India Gate area, preventing further casualties.

Casualties:

  • Deaths: 30 people
  • Injuries: Over 130 people

Perpetrators:

  • The Indian Mujahideen (IM) claimed responsibility for the attacks. The group had previously carried out similar bombings in other Indian cities and was known for its use of sophisticated communication networks to coordinate attacks.

Impact:

  • The bombings created a wave of fear and insecurity among Delhi’s residents.
  • Security agencies launched a massive manhunt to track down the perpetrators. Several suspects were arrested in the following weeks, with the police claiming to have disrupted the IM network in the capital.
  • The attacks highlighted vulnerabilities in urban security and led to calls for enhanced counter-terrorism measures and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

Context and Government Response

Both the 2005 and 2008 Delhi bombings were part of a broader pattern of terrorist activities targeting major Indian cities during the UPA regime. The government responded with a combination of immediate security measures and longer-term strategies, including:

  • Enhanced Security: Increased patrolling, surveillance, and checkpoints in major cities, especially during festivals and public events.
  • Investigations and Arrests: Intensive investigations were launched, leading to the arrest of several suspects linked to various terrorist groups.
  • Legislation: The UPA government enacted stricter anti-terrorism laws and expanded the powers of security agencies to prevent future attacks.
  • International Cooperation: Efforts were made to enhance international cooperation in counter-terrorism, including intelligence-sharing and joint operations with other countries.

Despite these measures, the bombings underscored the persistent threat posed by domestic and international terrorist groups to India’s security and the ongoing challenges in preventing such attacks.

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