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Bangalore under seige
Posted by alexmcone • 7/25/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Bangalore has been hit by six confirmed blasts. And there's rumor of a seventh.
One of them was too close for comfort. A ten minute walk from where I live to a bus stop that I regularly use. One woman has died there.
I dont know of any other casualties ... but boy this is a scary day.
User Comments
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Hey give me a links pls When this happen... time and exact location?-
I'm still not sure about the locations, it happened at about 1.30 this afternoon local time.
Confirmed locations are : madiwala (where I stay), koramangala, Nayandahallil and Anepalya. I dont know about the other locations.
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Here's a link : www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/25/bangalore.bombs
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Thanks I got my only sis there
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I hope she's fine man ... where does she stay ?
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She rang up she's fine.
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when ???????? -
1.30 pm local time
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Now its confirmed ... there were seven blasts.
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Ok, the latest from Reuters is that there were seven low intensity blasts in highly crowded areas.
The casualty has so far only been the one woman, and there are about a score injured. -
I'm not seeing this in the American press, at least not on the front page of sites. I suppose from a global point of view it is mere background noise, but how about from other parts of India?-
Well as you can tell it's big news out here.
It was on CNN but I think they let go when they saw the body count as one.
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Oh dear, it's one of my favourite cities.-
I know.
But I think you'll be glad to know the city is resilient as ever. NO closure of shops or anything of the sort. I'm sitting in a cafe that's just five minutes away from one of the blast sites. No one's scared.
Phones are jammed though. -
From where I'm sitting in Washington, DC, that is amazing. Locking everything down can cause greater chaos, but the urge to resist taking such measures must be hard for authorities to resist. Or is this just another day for the authorities? I suppose with 1 billion people a somewhat different attitude towards such friction might exist.
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I think it's scarier just getting in a taxi there :-)
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Watched it on CNN just a few minutes ago here in Bangkok and found more details on news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7525033.stm Stay safe, mate!-
why ur user name is Indochina? just curious to know
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damn! I'm back from my college and I'm shocked to hear this. Being in India, Mumbai to be precise, I had no idea about this! -
damn! I'm back from my college and I'm shocked to hear this. Being in India, Mumbai to be precise, I had no idea about this!
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OH! I'm glad you are OK Alex...I hope others are as well.
That IS scary
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Well ... it's still pretty confusing out here.
There are eight confirmed blasts, and two confirmed dead. Still low intensity blasts - looks like it was designed to set people in panic.
A media channel is reporting a NINTH blast somewhere around 5 pm, but that's yet to be confirmed.
Man, what a weird day. -
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That's only six. The seventh was in richmond road where my ex lives.
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I'm reading that it's Islamic militant groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh intent on fanning hatred between Muslims and Hindus in India, and damaging a fragile peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Now where was that "Islam means peaceful" discussion thread...?-
Tell you the truth, it could be anyone. Although Islamic terrorists have had their eye on Bangalore for a while now.
And I wont get onto that thread. I have a lot of Muslim friends and I can assure you they are not thinking of slitting my throat.
I actually feel bad for them. This state is now being ruled by a Hindu government and they're going to crackdown on a lot of innocent Muslims. A friend of mine had second thoughts about wearing a skullcap.
Now that's just sad. -
Plausible scenario Uri, but surely you know the difference between religion and fanatics using religion for political purposes.
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And to add to marks point ... the two worst communal riots in India during modern times were the riots in Bombay 1992 and Gujarat 2002. In BOTH these riots it was the Hindu fanatics that tortured and killed Muslims.
Wouldnt that make Hinduism a violent religion ?
I really dont like judging a class of people by the actions of some dimwits. -
haha nice one mark
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Scary! I'm glad you're OK, though. Keep us posted! -
This report has 9 blasts, 2 dead:
www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/DE0DBB98269F966665257491004B79FB?OpenDo... -
Alex, get the hell out of there, and be safe, will ya??!!!-
Yeah, get outta there, and come here. You can crash at my house.
(I'm only half kidding....) -
I meant to just get home, not to run away. I don't want to see a thread started that says "R.I.P. Alex".
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I figured that was what you meant, but, wanted to extend the invite anyway. I like Alex too much
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you know, for an Anarchist...you can be heavenly sweet to people.
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LOL! Anarchism means giving freely, not to be mean!
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Aww that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard.
But no ... this city is moving at a frentic pace as ever and I am truly touched by it. Yes, there is sadness, fear and nervousness but there's also the stubborn will not to have lives held at the will of a couple of fanatics. I'll stand by that any day. If the city can move on ... so can I.
BTW, RTB ... "RIP, Alex" ?? Man, that sent a chill down my spine. -
Hang in there, PinkBear, and keep us posted. -
My invitation stands, however.
And listen to TT, she is right about treating your body well. (But I wouldn't tell you no to vodka *giggle* I'm a rebel like that!)
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I'm thinking of you Alex. Keep up your strength and courage. Also this may seem like a silly thing to say but don't forget to eat properly and to drink lots of freshwater while stressful scary stuff is happening.
♥ HUG ♥-
Thanks TT and thanks to you TSR and while it was scary, it didnt turn out to be as bad as it could have been. Thank heavens!
I'm fuming though. Two unfortunate souls died for no reason and I just cant stop thinking about them.
Freshwater, eh ? -
An antioxidant is good too. I recommend decaffeinated green tea. When we become stressed we often do exactly the opposite of what our bodies need us to do. We hold our breath, we fail to eat and we become dehydrated.
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Woah, woah too many big words.
Could a glass of vodka do ? Please say yes, please pretty please ? -
No to alcohol.
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Oh all right.
(sulks and makes some tea)
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That is scary, I hope all turns out well for your sister.
I'll put in a good word with the Big Papi for ya.-
Thanks Jeunelle, but it wasnt my sister. It was weblogian's. She's fine.
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Oops....Well I'll put in a good word for weblogian.
Ooh too late...I heard she's fine. God works quick. -
He sure does.
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Oh no ... Oh HELL NO ... you do not want me pissed at you on THIS day in THIS thread!
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You'd a thought after all the other spamming this blogger has done, there would've already been a permanent ban. Maybe this time.
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Spamming on this thread! disgusting. -
This guy is sick, he did this just now in 3 threads
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Many more than three, but they're all gone now and so is he. Now back to Bangalore . . .
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LMAO....Spammer... Troll
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Insensitive, self absorbed porno spammer reported and I sure as heck hope the rest of you hit the report button too.
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@amzzack...I throw the curse of Pheonix on you!!!!!
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lol!
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Alex, I imagine it's way past late over there, but let us know how this plays out.
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It's fine now. I mean if you had just arrived in Bangalore you wouldnt think for a minute that it was rocked by nine blasts.
The city is on high alert though, the police and the people are going to be a bit edgy for the next couple of says.
The bombs were gelatin sticks and hence not too powerful. The two who died might have been extremely close to the blast or the debris might have struck them fatally.
It's still scary though: the blast sites were all very crowded areas. If those had been RDX and if the bombs had been timed to detonate during rush hours the death toll would have gone into the hundreds including yours truly because I use that bus stop DAILY!
This was an attempt to scare us. Fear would turn into panic and eventually communal tension. The plan failed. But there's always a next time. I hope to God there wont be another, but it's just too easy for them. -
Keep us up to date anyway, will ya?
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Sure will.
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You are always welcome to come escape to Idaho for a few days and commune with me, the grizzly bears and grumpy Euro tourists in their socks and sandals, Alex. -
uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKISL16912820080725
This is simply terrible. Please stay safe. I will pray for you and your country!-
Thank you. But please do pray for those depraved souls who think a couple of bombs will break the resolve of a secular community.
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Sorry Alex, I can not pray for indigents that light up bombs out in public and kill passerbys. I pray for the safety of the law abiding people, like yourself.
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I have no sympathy for them RTB, none at all. All I want is for them to open their eyes, atleast once in their worthless lives, open their eyes to the cruelty that they cause. That realization would be punishment enough for them.
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Grizzly's and Euro's - now that's a sight for sore eyes.
Seriously though, no. This is my home. This is where I will stay. -
Okay I will do as you ask.
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@alexmcone
India need to change the security system. Many times the intilegence warn them but why they dont't take neccesary action. Police are always waiting for confirmation.
What do you think on India security agencies? -
assination of Rajiv Gandhi, the recent Mumbai blast was warned even by the foreign CIA . Sad to see India is like a tortoise to terror
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We have a nearly a billion people. That in itself is a security nightmare. Not to mention the number of conflicts that India has to deal with. It's not that easy.
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im glad india doesnt occupy other countries for the fight against terrorism, im glad we are slow that way
hey alex, its strange these bomb blasts. the muslims are the first to be blamed that happens all around the world.
but i think its just a whole shit load of politics piled one upon the other, Bangalore has been rather peaceful, most of the bomb blasts seem to happen here in bombay, glad you are Ok, sleep well -
I think Kerala will be next
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True. There are other theories going on about the blasts and they're all equally plausible. It's not necessary that it's Islamic terrorists who are responsible for everything.
I'm glad Bombay didnt have to bear the brunt this time. That city has suffered enough already. -
@weblogian - I hope not. That's my home state. My family lives there.
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See its going down(south). And kerala one of the highest tourist places mostly foreigner.
I stayed in Trivandrum before between 1997-1999. Nice and peaceful, and that's why iam worried -
I still hope not.
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i hope not 2, just hope we can all live in peace its pretty frustrating
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It's getting crazier.
This morning at around 9 an IED was found on a busy road near where I stay. A bomb squad was able to defuse it. Eyewitnesses report seeing a 22 year old man placing the bomb. The sketch based on these reports will probably go out today.
In the meanwhile, seven blasts have just occured in the West Indian city of Ahmedabad. Two people are reported killed.
www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080058856
It's going mad out here.-
Here's hoping the police round 'em all up and shed some light on the matter before anyone else gets hurt.
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That's easier said than done. The terrorist factions out here are pretty organized.
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Alex,
How scary! In the US, aside from 9/11, we have yet to experience such hatred and violence by Islamic extremists.
May peace prevail.
Excerpt below from: uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKISL16912820080725?pageNumber=2&virtualBr...
"Islamist militant groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh intent on fanning hatred between Muslims and Hindus in India, and damaging a fragile peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad, are often blamed.
In May, eight bombs, many strapped to bicycles, ripped through a crowded shopping area in the western city of Jaipur, killing at least 63 people and injuring hundreds more.
Police said that attack bore some hallmarks of the Bangladeshi militant group Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (HuJI)." -
I thank you for your concern but I cannot condemn Islam as the culprit and here are my reasons why:
1) India especially Bangalore is a criss-cross of culture. If the blame game were to start there would be a lot of accounts that needs to be settled.
2) Bombs are scary. Communal riots are scarier. Believe me, you have better chances of staying alive with bombs rather than with a fanatic mob
3) I was brought up in a secular family. I can not and will not backtrack on my beliefs and attack a community for the actions of a misguided few. -
So who or what are those "terrorist factions" and what are they motivated by? What are they trying to accomplish through such violence?
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They are trying to break the secular foundations upon which India was formed. Fundamentalists cant stand that.
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What "fundamentalists" in your opinion? Hindu? Islam?
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All of them. They've all had their share in the violence my country has had to face.
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Update: sixteen blasts in Ahmedabad. Eighteen killed.
www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080058856-
Oh Alex!
Stay safe...please.... -
Anok, if one is not safe in one's own home, then one can never be safe.
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@Alex said: if one is not safe in one's own home, then one can never be safe.
I do think your statement has some merit...though not always true.
In the US, we are blasted with home security commercials. It feeds into the fear campaign ever since 911. It's ridiculous. -
*sigh*
If things get real extra bad....you know you have a friend in the states...
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It is a cowardly and deplorable act, at the time of posting this, 16 blasts have taken place in Ahmadabad , Gujarat, with casualties above 100 ++, dead unknown, so this is Indian security and intelligence, mind you only for the people, politicians, well they are a indispensable species. Pray for the people's safety.
Thanks: Prakash.-
It's a little early to start the blame game. And since you already commented here 2 hours ago, why did you repeat the same message in a new thread one hour ago? www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/serial-blastsin-ahmadabad-gujarat-india
It's not the same topic?
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Ok, the latest:
The death toll in Ahmedabad has risen to 30. Its now apparent that the blasts were well planned as a couple of them were detonated outside a hospital tending to the injured. The good news is the city is relatively calm and no signs of communal tension has cropped up. There are reports of Hindus and Muslims working together to help the victims.
The blasts were of low intensity meaning there is a very probable link to the blasts in Bangalore yesterday.
A terrorist outfit called the Indian Mujahideen sends an email to the Gujarat police and leading news networks predicting the blasts 5 minutes before they took place. The group calls it revenge for the Gujarat riots in 2002.
The IED that was defused this morning in Bangalore was a 5kg device that could have caused considerable damage and casualties.-
Background to the 2002 Gujarat riots?
Good news about the communal cooperation. -
Background to the riots of 2002 ... oooh thats pretty tough.
Ok, in 1992 a Hindu mob demolished a centuries old mosque (Babri Masjid) in Ayodhya claiming that it was built upon the ruins of a temple that allegedly was the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram. Riots ensue with Bombay (now Mumbai) bearing the brunt. The site is now a disputed site under government protection - no mosque or temple has been constructed and no one is allowed to pray there.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babri_masjid
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombay_riots
In 2002 a train carrying "kar sevaks" or temple volunteers from the disputed site in Ayodhya to Gujarat are set on fire at a station in Gujarat called Godhra. 55 people are burnt alive. Enraged Hindu mobs go on a rampage that starts that very evening and lasts for a month. In that one month Gujarat turned into an ugly lawless state as Hindu mobs searched for and killed Muslim residents. Tales of mindless torture and heinous killings emerge ... and the accused are still at large.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godhra_train_burning
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Gujarat_violence -
Thanks for reminding me. My professor of Indian history told the class I was in back in 1988 that we should all be paying attention to India. I've tried, but too often it fades from view. It's getting easier, though, since in this age of globalization the newspapers I read are less hesitant to place news from there on the front page.
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You studied Indian history ? Well then you should know that the hatred that is prevalent in India now is worse than what it used to be.
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Not a good thing.
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This is the latest:
The death toll from the Ahmedabad blasts have reached 45. Over 200 are injured.
Two live bombs were found this morning in Ahmedabad and defused. Another live bomb and a car filled with explosives was found in Surat.
The email from the terrorist outfit has been traced back to an apartment in Mumbai which has been rented to an American couple. They are being questioned at the time of posting.
A Karnataka state media channel recieves an email that states bombs will detonate today evening in the southern state of Kerala which happens to be my home state.-
Oh no...
Well, at least some headway is being made with the investigation...be very careful Alex!!
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Another car filled with explosives have been found in Surat.
Gods, this is not ending.
I have to go now. Probably wont be back for a couple of hours. Things are not looking good.-
Come back as soon as you can so we know you are OK.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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Glad to see your okay, alexmcone. -
Every time I come to this thread I'm always depressed.
No bombs have detonated in my home state and I'm relieved. But the threat seems to be legitimate and the state is not taking any chances. Malls and shopping centers have been asked to shut down by 8. People have been asked to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity. On Friday we were resilient, by Sunday India is terror struck and numb.
A terrorist module has been busted in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Apparently they had plans of placing bombs on trains.
The Mumbai trail has gone cold. The American who's flat the email allegedly came from has stated that his IP was hacked two days ago.
The death toll has now reached 50.
I'm sorry if I'm being melodramatic but my hometown is under the radar. My family lives there and I'm just really really concerned right now.-
I wish I could do something to help. My main forte, however seems to be cracking bad jokes, and starting arguments on the internet.
Neither of which would do a load of good right now
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AP news as of about 1 hr. ago (10:30 AM PST/ 07-27-2008).
tinyurl.com/66a62c
TOLL: 45+ dead / 161 wounded.
E-mail warning ("Await 5 minutes for the revenge of Gujarat,") sent by Islamic group (article lists Indian Mujahideen) to media outlets 5 minutes before the chain of 16 blasts went off. Acts rarely claimed, which raises doubts about perpatrators.
Another bomb, unexploded, found and difused this morning.
Arrests have been made.
Sorry your having to deal with this Alex. Hope it turns out OK for you. -
It's not over till the fat lady sings is what they say and clearly she has not sung yet.
SEVENTEEN live bombs were found and defused in Surat today. Three of them were car bombs; which is a first for India.
We're being toyed with.-
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Persistent buggers. Good thing the police are demonstrating persistence too.
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You stay safe little pink bear and get yourself out of there. -
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hmm
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What?
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