The impact of terrorist attacks worldwide has been significant, affecting the entire planet. India is one of the countries that have experienced a substantial number of such attacks in recent times. Terrorism has become a crucial issue in India, and the government is continually striving to prevent such incidents.
In this regard, let us take a look at the list of the ten most severe terrorist attacks that have occurred in India, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, the Samjhauta Express Bomb Blast, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which have shocked the nation.
10 of the Most Shocking Terrorist Attacks in India's History
10. Samjhauta Express Bomb Blast:
At the beginning of 2007, the nation was shocked by the Samjhauta Express bomb blast, one of the major terrorist attacks. The Samjhauta Express connects Delhi in India and Lahore in Pakistan, running twice a week. The bombs were placed in two carriages of the train and went off around midnight as the train passed through the city of Panipat, killing about 70 people, including citizens from both India and Pakistan. The attack was condemned by officials from both countries and was a significant event that shook both nations.
09. 2008 Delhi Serial Bomb Blast:
The capital city of New Delhi was rocked by the 2008 Delhi Serial Bomb Blast, which took place on September 13, 2008. In just a few minutes, five series of blasts occurred in some of the most visited marketplaces in Delhi, including the Ghaffar market, Connaught place, and the M-block market of Greater Kailash. Although terrorists planned for nine bomb attacks, four were defused. The bombs killed many innocent civilians, and the memory of the incident remains etched in the minds of citizens.
08. 2008 Bangalore Serial Bomb Blast:
Another series of bomb blasts occurred in the Indian state of Karnataka's capital city, Bangalore, in July 2008. The bombs were low-intensity, and timers were used to trigger them. The blasts occurred in Madiwala, Adugodi, Mallya hospital, Nayandahalli, Langford road, and Richmond circle. Although the bombs caused few civilian casualties, many citizens were injured, and the incident remains a vivid memory for citizens.
07. Akshardham Temple Attack:
The world was shaken by the Akshardham Temple Attack that took place on September 24, 2002, in the Indian state of Gujarat. Two terrorist attackers entered the temple and caused chaos using hand grenades and automatic weapons. They had entered the temple complex in a white car and surpassed security screening, killing many people and causing severe injuries. It took the Gujarat police a full day to stop the rampage.
06. The 2008 Assam Bombings:
On October 30, 2008, a significant terrorist attack occurred in the Indian state of Assam, where 18 bomb blasts went off in the capital city of Guwahati. The attack killed many people and injured a lot of civilians in various areas, including Kokrajhar, Barpeta road, Bongaigaon, and other parts of the city. Although it was suspected to have been carried out by the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, no conclusion was reached about who was responsible for the attack, which shook not only Assam but the entire nation.
05. Coimbatore Bombings:
The Coimbatore Bombings in 1998: In South India, 12 bomb blasts were carried out using explosives that were timed and set off with gelatin. The bombings targeted important locations in the city, and it was later revealed that they were meant to target L.K Advani, who had a meeting in Coimbatore at that time. The bombings will be remembered as one of the worst terrorist attacks in India's history.
04. The 1993 Mumbai Serial Bomb Blasts:
On March 12, 1993, a series of 12 bomb blasts shook Mumbai, affecting major landmarks such as the stock exchange, Air India building, and hotels. Dawood Ibrahim and his associates in Pakistan were identified as the masterminds behind the attacks. The bombings caused 257 deaths and 717 injuries, making them one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India.
03. The 2001 Parliament Attack:
In 2001, terrorists breached security at the Indian Parliament using fake identities. They opened fire near the convoy of India's Vice-President, killing security personnel and police officers. The exchange of gunfire between the Delhi police and the terrorists lasted for several hours, resulting in the deaths of several people. The attackers belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the attack was a shocking reminder of the vulnerability of high-level government officials.
02. The Bombay Train Blast:
In 2006, a series of seven blasts occurred in Mumbai's local trains, targeting densely populated areas such as Matunga Road and Borivali. The blasts caused numerous casualties and injuries. The Indian Mujahideen group was identified as the mastermind behind the attacks, which were a devastating blow to the city's transportation system.
01. The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks in 2008:
The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks were one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in India's history. Ten terrorists entered Mumbai and carried out a series of attacks on important landmarks, including hotels, a hospital, and a train station. The attacks lasted for several days, causing numerous casualties and injuries. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police, while one, Ajmal Kasab, was captured and later executed. Hafiz Saeed was identified as the mastermind behind the attacks, which shook the nation and led to widespread calls for increased security measures.
Therefore, the aforementioned incidents are some of the most perilous attacks executed by terrorists that affected both Indian civilians and authorities, leaving an indelible impact not only on India but on the entire world.
