How Did the Coimbatore Serial Bombings Impact Our Nation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday honored the memory of those who perished in the Coimbatore serial bombings of 1998, describing it as a dismal and distressing chapter in our nation’s timeline.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts, which witnessed 12 explosions resulting in the deaths of 58 individuals and injuring over 200 others, targeting the rally of BJP leader L.K. Advani during a time of communal unrest.
In a post shared on X, the Vice President expressed, “I extend my sincere tribute to the innocent lives lost during the tragic Coimbatore serial bomb blasts on February 14, 1998, a dark and painful chapter in our nation's history.”
He reminisced that on this fateful day, L.K. Advani was present in the city when a series of horrific explosions reverberated through Coimbatore, leaving indelible wounds on numerous families.
“The atmosphere of fear, sorrow, and uncertainty that prevailed then is forever etched in my memory,” he added.
“I narrowly escaped one of those blasts. The harrowing moments, as we rushed to assist the injured and get the critically hurt to hospitals, remain the most agonizing period of my life,” he stated further.
Honoring the victims, Vice President Radhakrishnan remarked, “As we remember the victims with deep sorrow, I stand in solidarity with the grieving families whose loss cannot be compensated. Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to stand against terrorism and to promote peace, harmony, and national integrity.”
Earlier in the day, he also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack, stating, “I honor the brave personnel who sacrificed their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. Their ultimate sacrifice will remain forever ingrained in our national memory and continues to motivate us to forge a strong and secure India.”