Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for Lahore attacks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Sept 2,IRNA -- Banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for two suicide attacks Wednesday on processions of Shi'a Muslims in Lahore which killed nearly 30 people.

“I, Qari Hussain, from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan side, accpet the responsibility of the 3 suicide attacks (Fidaee Hamla) in Lahore on the Hazrat Ali (Rahmatullah alayh) day on Shi'a procession on 1st September, 2010,” said an audio statement sent to the media.

Transcription of the audio message was also sent in English through email.

“It is the revenge of Mulana Ali Shair Haidree,' Hussain said.

“Mulana Ali Shair was brave, pious and intellectual Alim-e-Din (Islamic scholar)”.

“The fidayan of TTP interred with great courage in the procession of Shi'a and offered their lives for the protection and revenge of our famous Ulema,” the Taliban leader said.

He warned more attacks if killing of ?ulema was not stopped. “We will do so harsh attacks on them everywhere that they will not be able to leave peacefully in the country”.

Earlier banned extremist group “Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al-Alami” claimed responsibility for the attacks.

“I once again clear it that these attacks were done by TTP not by any other body,” Hussain said.

Series of three blasts Wednesday targeting Shi'a Muslims in Lahore killed at least 29 people and injured many more.

The processions were taken out in commemoration of the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (P) when they came under attacks at the Bhati gate and Karbala Gamey Shah areas of Lahore.

District Police Officer Aslam Tarin said that attacks were carried out when the processions were scheduled to end at their destinations.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah appealed to the religious leaders to remain calm and frustrate designs of those who want to create rift among the people.

Rescue sources said that 150 people were injured who were shifted to several hospitals in Lahore. A large number of people rushed to hospitals to donate blood to the injured.

The government called paramilitary rangers to restore peace as angry people attacked a police station and burnt police vehicles.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani condemned the attacks and said that those elements playing with the lives of innocent people would not escape the law of the land.

The Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to investigate into the sad incident. He also directed the hospital administration for provision of best medical facilities to the injured.

The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.