New Delhi: Calling the explosion in the national capital a “conspiracy”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that the “conspirators will not be spared”, while addressing the 70th birth anniversary celebrations of the fourth King of Bhutan in Thimphu Tuesday.
“Today, I have come to Bhutan with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that happened in Delhi last evening has deeply disturbed everyone. I understand the pain of the affected families,” Modi said.
The prime minister added: “Today, the entire nation stands with them. All night, I was in contact with the agencies involved in examining this incident. Our agencies will get to the very bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Prime Minister Modi departed for Bhutan early Tuesday morning to attend the birthday celebrations of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the former king. He will receive an audience with the current King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, while also holding discussions with his counterpart Tshering Togbay. Modi is set to return to New Delhi Wednesday afternoon.
Bhutan’s monarch led a prayer along with thousands of Bhutanese for the victims of the blast in New Delhi at the Changlimethang Stadium in Thimphu.
Around 7 PM Monday evening, a white Hyundai i20 exploded near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, killing at least 12 and while over 20 people remain injured.
Investigators have zeroed in on Dr. Umar U Nabi, a Pulwama native, as the key suspect behind the blast as reported by ThePrint. Nabi is believed to have died in the explosion.
A few hours before the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police along with their counterpart in Haryana raided a rented premise in Haryana’s Faridabad district and retrieved at least 2,500 kilograms of IED-making material that included around 360 kilograms of highly inflammable substance.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting early Tuesday morning at his residence. Shah also visited the site of the blast late Monday evening. Modi’s trip to Bhutan was announced on 8 November.
The visit by the Indian Prime Minister also coincides with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha from India. Apart from attending the birthday celebrations, the Modi along with the current King of Bhutan are set to inaugurate the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project developed jointly by the two countries.
The 1,020 megawatt project is part of India’s efforts to aid in Bhutan’s development of its energy sector. Other projects expected to be discussed between the leadership of the two countries include the Rs. 4,033 crore railway projects linking the Himalayan Kingdom with Assam and West Bengal announced at the end of September.
Ahead of his departure to Thimphu early Tuesday morning, Modi highlighted the “exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation” between India and Bhutan that are “rooted in deep mutual trust, understanding and goodwill.”
“Our partnership is a key pillar of our Neighbourhood First Policy and a model for exemplary friendly relations between neighbouring countries,” added Modi.
(Edited by Shashank Kishan)
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