Saying that India's economic nerve centres are being targeted by terrorists, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a reward of Rs 51 lakh for information leading to the network behind recent Ahmedabad serial blasts.
A proxy war is being waged by enemies of the country, he said while on a visit to the diamond city which has been gripped by fear following recovery of 21 live bombs in the past three days.
The terrorists had targeted Ahmedabad and Surat, two most important financial hubs of the state, he said. "Their plan was to cripple financial activity of the state."
With terrorists targeting cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Hyderabad, it seems their intention was to cripple financial activities of the country, Modi said.
As many as 12 big terror attacks have taken place in the past two years across the country, Modi said, adding that terrorism is a "proxy war" waged by the enemies against India.
Modi praised the people of Surat, saying their alertness prevented the explosions. "It was due to the alertness of the people of Surat and police action that a terrorist act was thwarted."
{{/usCountry}}Modi praised the people of Surat, saying their alertness prevented the explosions. "It was due to the alertness of the people of Surat and police action that a terrorist act was thwarted."
{{/usCountry}}He announced a reward of Rs 51 lakh for information leading to the terrorist network behind Ahmedabad serial blasts and planting of bombs in Surat.
Modi also announced reward of Rs 21,000 each for those who give information about the live bombs and cars packed with explosives found in Surat and Ahmedabad.
A total of 18 bombs were recovered on Tuesday in and around Varacha, where several diamond units are located. Another live bomb was found this morning. As many as 53 people were killed in the Ahmedabad blasts on Saturday.