By IANS,
Mumbai : Leaders from all political parties have condemned the serial blasts that rocked congested areas of Mumbai Wednesday evening, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 100.
The blasts took place in three areas of south Mumbai – near Kabutarkhana in Dadar West, Zaveri Bazar and Opera House, the jewellery hubs of Mumbai – around 7 p.m.
Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan condemned the near-simultaneous explosions causing loss of life and injuries to innocent citizens.
Sankaranarayanan, who was in Delhi, rushed back to Mumbai on hearing the news.
In a statement issued here, he said: “The news of terrorists striking in the commercial capital of India in the rush hour of the evening today is shocking and shows the desperate levels the terrorists have stooped.”
“I convey my sympathies to the families of the victims of the blasts and wish speedy recovery to the injured,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party assured of thorough investigation into the blasts and appealed to Mumbaikars to not pay heed to rumours and stay alert.
“Help will be extended to all victims in all possible manner. However, it is still early to tell the hand behind the blasts,” he said.
Opposition leader Eknath Khadse of the Bharatiya Janata party condemned the attacks. “I sympathise with the relatives of those killed and injured,” he said.
State president of Samajwadi Pary Abu Azmi said: “Police should be strict in investigating the bomb blasts that have killed many and injured more than 100 people,” he said.
Azmi appealed to people not to make a communal issue out of the blasts and help each other and police in bringing the guilty to books.
“The blasts should not be associated with any specific religion or community. The police should also not catch hold of those who are not guilty for the crime,” Azmi said.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said: “It is unfortunate and disgusting. I strongly condemn the blasts.”
Former minister of state Gurudas Kamat also condemned the attacks and said that the guilty should be brought to book as soon as possible.