Unfortunate blasts in Jaipur

SEVEN almost simultaneous bomb blasts in the Indian tourist city of Jaipur which killed around 100 people and injured many others have been condemned by leaders and members of the civil society around the globe. It was surely an act of terrorism and there can be no condemnation too strong for this dastardly act of cowardice clearly intended to kill the innocent people and create sectarian tension.
Terrorism has become a worldwide phenomenon and no country as is rightly believed safe from this scurge. Terrorism in India can be attributed to many low intensity conflicts within its borders but as compared to neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India relatively remained safe from such acts except a few which were the results of infighting among the gangs of underworld. Unfortunately there are a lot of elements who do not see eye to eye to the Central Government in New Delhi in addition to some separatist groups and underground gangs. It is feared that with the passage of time some of these separatist movements and criminal gangs, taking lead from the happenings around the world, would try to assert their influence. However, it is satisfying to note that after this unfornate incident, till the writing of this editorial, Indian officials did not follow the past practice of raising an accusing finger on Pakistan which later proved wrong. Such hasty accusations create bitterness and it is hoped that this time authorities in Rajesthan State would hold an inquiry to find out the real culprits. Even sectarian riots break out in India after such acts and Muslims are made the target. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi took no time in condemning the inhuman act of terrorism in Jaipur. It is a known fact that Pakistan condemns all acts of terrorism as it iself has become a victim of this menace. Now that the Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Ministers of the two countries are due to hold talks in Islamabad next week, we suggest that they should work out a strategy to share intelligence information and jointly fight this menace.