Lucknow: Varanasi, considered the holiest and oldest city in India, experienced a series of bomb blasts on March 7, 2006. These blasts occurred at the famous Sankat Mochan temple and the Varanasi Cantonment railway station, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people and injuring over a hundred others. As we mark the 19th anniversary of this tragedy today, let us reflect on how these twin blasts instilled terror and impacted the lives of people across the nation.
About 2006 Varanasi Terror Attack
Blasts at the temple
A terror attack occurred on Tuesday, March 7, 2006. The first explosion took place at 6:15 PM at the renowned Hanuman Temple, located near Banaras Hindu University. Reports indicate that hundreds of devotees, including the temple priest, had gathered on the temple premises for the Aarti. The bomb, concealed in a container near the gate, detonated during the ceremony, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuring many others.
2006 Varanasi Bomb Blast
— PM Sai Prasad (@pm_saiprasad) June 6, 2022
Court announced the death sentence to Mufti Waliullah Khan in blasts at Sankatmochan temple and Varanasi Cantt Railway Station.
Surprisingly, many don't know that @yadavakhilesh tried to withdraw charges against blast suspects in 2012 but HC stopped it. pic.twitter.com/zhZclGFTPU
Blasts at the station
The second bomb blast occurred at the Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station. It exploded 15 minutes after the first bomb blast at the temple. This second bomb, which was concealed outside the first-class restroom, detonated shortly thereafter. Additionally, six other bombs were discovered in various locations and were successfully defused. Former IAS officer Pradeep Kumar Sinha stated that the bombs were made in Bihar and that the materials used to construct them were smuggled from Nepal.
The bomb blasts in Varanasi were part of a series of attacks that targeted multiple cities in India in 2006. These terror attacks were carried out by a militant group called Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is connected to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations.
Aftermath of the terror attack
In the aftermath of the explosions, the city of Varanasi was thrown into chaos and grief. The injured were quickly rushed to hospitals while families and communities mourned the deceased. The city was effectively shut down following the tragic event, with protesters taking to the streets to condemn the violence that had erupted.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the blasts and called for calm. In response to the situation, a state of high alert was declared. The attacks not only disrupted people's lives but also led to a significant decline in the economy and tourism.
The terror attack in Varanasi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism, both in India and globally. Moreover, it raises critical questions about the sense of security within the nation.