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<p>Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged on Monday (Oct 30) that Kerala under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has shown tolerance towards radical elements and radicalisation. Addressing a press conference, Union Minister Chandrasekhar said that the Left in Kerala and the Congress party have a history of appeasement of radical elements in the state.</p>

<p>A day back, Chief Minister <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-threatens-legal-action-against-bjp-minister-over-posts-on-tragedy-652812">Vijayan hit out at Chandrasekhar </a></strong>over his social media posts criticising him (Vijayan) over serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-who-are-jehovahs-witnesses-the-christian-community-targeted-in-kerala-serial-blasts-652790">Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, the community targeted in Kerala serial blasts?</a></strong></p>

<p>Without naming Chandrasekhar, Vijayan sought to know based on what information the Union minister made such remarks against him and how a person holding a responsible position could come out with such statements while the investigation was going on. Speaking to reporters, the chief minister alleged that the statements made by the Union minister were the reflection of an absolute communal outlook.</p>

<h2><strong>The social media post</strong></h2>

<p>"Dirty shameless appeasement politics by a discredited CM (and HM) Pinarayi Vijayan besieged by corruption charges Sitting in Delhi and protesting against Israel when in Kerala open calls by Terrorist Hamas for Jihad is causing attacks and bomb blasts on innocent Christians," Chandrasekhar said in a post on X on Sunday.</p>

<p>On Monday, Chandrasekhar told reporters that he did not mention any community in his social media posts. "I had talked about Hamas and it was almost like the CM was trying to equate Hamas with the broader Muslim brothers and sisters of our state and country," he said.</p>

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<p>The Union Minister added that his post "in the context of the Hamas chief being given an opportunity, with no intervention by the Kerala government or police, to address a large gathering of youth and inciting them with radicalism."</p>

<p>"To accuse me of being communal, or to accuse our party of doing anything other than looking after the best interest of every Indian, is to be a liar. He (Pinarayi Vijayan) is a liar...If not having links with the SDPI, PFI and Hamas is the qualification for being called communal, I am proud to say that nobody in BJP has any linkages with SDPI, PFI and Hamas..." he further said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Three killed in serial blasts, over 50 injured</strong></h2>

<p>The serial blasts during the Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery killed three and injured more than 50 others. The attacker, Dominic Martin, was a former member of the community. Martin posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack, before he surrendered to the police.</p>

<p>On Monday, Martin was arrested and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act besides other sections.</p>

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Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged on Monday (Oct 30) that Kerala under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has shown tolerance towards radical elements and radicalisation.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged on Monday (Oct 30) that Kerala under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has shown tolerance towards radical elements and radicalisation. Addressing a press conference, Union Minister Chandrasekhar said that the Left in Kerala and the Congress party have a history of appeasement of radical elements in the state. A day back, Chief Minister Vijayan hit out at Chandrasekhar over his social media posts criticising him (Vijayan) over serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Also read: Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, the community targeted in Kerala serial blasts? Without naming Chandrasekhar, Vijayan sought to know based on what information the Union minister made such remarks against him and how a person holding a responsible position could come out with such statements while the investigation was going on. Speaking to reporters, the chief minister alleged that the statements made by the Union minister were the reflection of an absolute communal outlook. The social media post "Dirty shameless appeasement politics by a discredited CM (and HM) Pinarayi Vijayan besieged by corruption charges Sitting in Delhi and protesting against Israel when in Kerala open calls by Terrorist Hamas for Jihad is causing attacks and bomb blasts on innocent Christians," Chandrasekhar said in a post on X on Sunday. On Monday, Chandrasekhar told reporters that he did not mention any community in his social media posts. "I had talked about Hamas and it was almost like the CM was trying to equate Hamas with the broader Muslim brothers and sisters of our state and country," he said. #WATCH | Kochi: On Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statement, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "To accuse me of being communal, or to accuse our party of doing anything other than looking after the best interest of every Indian, is to be a liar. He (Pinarayi Vijayan) is a… pic.twitter.com/wkN2A8xRIK — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2023 × The Union Minister added that his post "in the context of the Hamas chief being given an opportunity, with no intervention by the Kerala government or police, to address a large gathering of youth and inciting them with radicalism." "To accuse me of being communal, or to accuse our party of doing anything other than looking after the best interest of every Indian, is to be a liar. He (Pinarayi Vijayan) is a liar...If not having links with the SDPI, PFI and Hamas is the qualification for being called communal, I am proud to say that nobody in BJP has any linkages with SDPI, PFI and Hamas..." he further said. Three killed in serial blasts, over 50 injured The serial blasts during the Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery killed three and injured more than 50 others. The attacker, Dominic Martin, was a former member of the community. Martin posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack, before he surrendered to the police. On Monday, Martin was arrested and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act besides other sections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After CM Vijayan's veiled dig, Indian minister says Kerala under him tolerant towards radical elements

<p>India’s southern Kerala state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (Oct 29) threatened to take legal action against a union minister and other members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making what he believes divisive statements on the Jehovah's Witnesses blast case in which two died and at least 51 injured.</p>

<p>Without naming Rajeev Chandrashekhar, the Information and Technology Minister, the chief minister read out a statement of him during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<p>"Dirty shameless appeasement politics by a discredited CM (and HM) @pinarayivijayan besieged by corruption charges. Sitting in Delhi and protesting against Israel, when in Kerala open calls by Terrorist Hamas for Jihad is causing attacks and bomb blasts on innocent Christians."</p>

<p>Pinarayi said this came from a communal mindset.</p>

<p>"This is a highly prejudiced approach with a clear intention to target a particular community. It is part of their communal agenda," Pinarayi said.</p>

<p>"On what basis has he made these statements? Was he in possession of any sensitive information that prompted him to make such a statement? This is a grave issue. People should not be misled. We will take this on legally," he added, according to online news outlet Onmanorama.</p>

<h2><strong>CM slams BJP</strong></h2>

<p>Attacking other BJP leaders who also responded on similar lines, he said those who were with the minister also came out with similar statements.</p>

<p>"A person who holds the post of minister should have shown at least some respect to the investigating agencies. Though the Kerala police is probing the incident now, we all saw reports that central agencies have also reached the site," the CM said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kochi-man-claims-responsibility-for-ied-blast-at-religious-gathering-terror-angle-being-probed-652715">India: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering</a></p>

<h2><strong>Suspect surrenders</strong></h2>

<p>The series of blasts happened at an international convention centre in Kalamassery, where at least 2,500 believes of the minority Christian group Jehovah's Witnesses had congregated on the concluding day of a three-day-long prayer meeting.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-who-are-jehovahs-witnesses-the-christian-community-targeted-in-kerala-serial-blasts-652790">Explained: Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, the Christian community targeted in Kerala serial blasts?</a></p>

<p>A few hours after the incident, a man claiming to be a member of Jehovah's Witnesses surrendered before police in Thrissur district, saying that he carried out the multiple blasts.</p>

<p>A case has been registered against unknown persons under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC as well as provisions of the Explosives Act and the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India’s southern Kerala state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (Oct 29) threatened to take legal action against a union minister and other members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making what he believes divisive statements on the Jehovah's Witnesses blast case in which two died and at least 51 injured.

India’s southern Kerala state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (Oct 29) threatened to take legal action against a union minister and other members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making what he believes divisive statements on the Jehovah's Witnesses blast case in which two died and at least 51 injured. Without naming Rajeev Chandrashekhar, the Information and Technology Minister, the chief minister read out a statement of him during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. "Dirty shameless appeasement politics by a discredited CM (and HM) @pinarayivijayan besieged by corruption charges. Sitting in Delhi and protesting against Israel, when in Kerala open calls by Terrorist Hamas for Jihad is causing attacks and bomb blasts on innocent Christians." Pinarayi said this came from a communal mindset. "This is a highly prejudiced approach with a clear intention to target a particular community. It is part of their communal agenda," Pinarayi said. "On what basis has he made these statements? Was he in possession of any sensitive information that prompted him to make such a statement? This is a grave issue. People should not be misled. We will take this on legally," he added, according to online news outlet Onmanorama. CM slams BJP Attacking other BJP leaders who also responded on similar lines, he said those who were with the minister also came out with similar statements. "A person who holds the post of minister should have shown at least some respect to the investigating agencies. Though the Kerala police is probing the incident now, we all saw reports that central agencies have also reached the site," the CM said. Also read | India: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering Suspect surrenders The series of blasts happened at an international convention centre in Kalamassery, where at least 2,500 believes of the minority Christian group Jehovah's Witnesses had congregated on the concluding day of a three-day-long prayer meeting. Also read | Explained: Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, the Christian community targeted in Kerala serial blasts? A few hours after the incident, a man claiming to be a member of Jehovah's Witnesses surrendered before police in Thrissur district, saying that he carried out the multiple blasts. A case has been registered against unknown persons under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC as well as provisions of the Explosives Act and the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kerala serial blasts: CM Pinarayi Vijayan threatens legal action against union BJP minister over posts

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<p>On Sunday (Oct 29), the Indian state of Kerala was rocked by serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Two women were killed and more than 50 were injured in the attack. The man, identified as Dominic Martin, was behind the attack and he was a former member of the community. Martin surrendered at a police station in Thrissur, around 40 kilometres from the site of the blasts.</p>

<p>This explosion in Kerala caused India's national capital New Delhi, and the country's financial capital Mumbai, among others to be on alert. The explosion has raised safety concerns about members of the Jehovah's Witnesses in India. The group has about 60,000 followers in India.</p>

<h2><strong>Who are Jehovah's Witnesses?</strong></h2>

<p>Jehovah's Witnesses are an international Christian denomination founded in the United States around 1870. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the community is known in many countries for door-to-door evangelism. It accepts some ideas of Christianity and believes that the world will end very soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The community believes in Jesus Christ but does not believe that he is the Almighty God. Jw.org, a website that provides all details about the community, says that the community offers prayers in Jesus' name, adding, "We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kochi-man-claims-responsibility-for-ied-blast-at-religious-gathering-terror-angle-being-probed-652715">Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the website adds that it is different from other religious groups that are called Christian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others," the website further says.</p>

<h2><strong>The community's presence in India</strong></h2>

<p>According <strong><a href="https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/india/jehovah-witness-facts/">to jw.org</a></strong>, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been present in India since 1905. The community established an office in Mumbai (then called Bombay) in 1926 and obtained legal registration in 1978. The community benefits from the guarantees of the Indian constitution, which include the right to practice, profess, and propagate one’s faith.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Jehovah’s Witnesses generally worship without hindrance in India. However, in some states, they have been victims of mob attacks and other acts of religious intolerance," the website adds.</p>

<p>A landmark case involving the community was <strong><a href="https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/cases/emmanuel-v-state-of-kerala/#:~:text=Case%20Summary%20and%20Outcome,right%20to%20freedom%20of%20expression.">Bijoe Emmanuel vs&nbsp;State of Kerala</a></strong>. The case was about three children from the community- Bijoe,&nbsp;Binu Mol and Bindu Emmanuel, who were expelled from school in 1985 after they refused to sing India's national anthem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per court documents, when the anthem was played during the morning assembly, the children stood respectfully but did not sing since it was against their religious faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses.</p>

<p>Upon expulsion, their father filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court, contending that the expulsion of his children was an infringement of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression under Article 19 and freedom of religion under Article 25. The court dismissed the case, finding that “no words or thoughts” in the national anthem were capable of offending religious convictions.</p>

<p>The father later filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. The apex court discussed the applicability of Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971, under which: “Whoever, intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished."</p>

<p>However, the court held that standing up silently “clearly does not either prevent the singing of the National Anthem or cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing.”</p>

<p>It ruled that the expulsion from school violated the children’s rights to freedom of expression and religion. It accordingly set aside the High Court’s judgment and ordered the then Kerala government to readmit the children to school</p>

<p>Jehovah’s Witnesses in India continue to meet with government officials and apply to the courts to protect their right to practice their religion freely.</p>

<h2><strong>The serial blasts that shook the community</strong></h2>

<p>The serial blasts at the three-day-long Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery killed two women and injured more than 50 others. Addressing a press conference, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 17 people were in intensive care with five in critical condition. Earlier, state Health Minister Veena George told the news agency Reuters that a 12-year-old girl with 95% burns was also in a critical state.</p>

<p>Dominic Martin posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack. "I am taking full responsibility for this. I carried out the bomb explosion. I am making this video to make it clear why I did this," Martin said in the video which was on Facebook for four hours before it disappeared.</p>

<p>He shortly surrendered at the police station in Thrissur. Speaking to Reuters, police public relations officer Pramod Kumar said, "Dominic is still being questioned in Kochi. He is in our custody but we have not recorded his arrest so far."</p>

<p>"We are still trying to ascertain the veracity of his statement, it will take some time. We are not in a position to confirm his involvement in the case right now, investigation is ongoing," Kumar added.</p>

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On Sunday (Oct 29), the Indian state of Kerala was rocked by serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Two women were killed and more than 50 were injured in the attack.

On Sunday (Oct 29), the Indian state of Kerala was rocked by serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Two women were killed and more than 50 were injured in the attack. The man, identified as Dominic Martin, was behind the attack and he was a former member of the community. Martin surrendered at a police station in Thrissur, around 40 kilometres from the site of the blasts. This explosion in Kerala caused India's national capital New Delhi, and the country's financial capital Mumbai, among others to be on alert. The explosion has raised safety concerns about members of the Jehovah's Witnesses in India. The group has about 60,000 followers in India. Who are Jehovah's Witnesses? Jehovah's Witnesses are an international Christian denomination founded in the United States around 1870. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the community is known in many countries for door-to-door evangelism. It accepts some ideas of Christianity and believes that the world will end very soon. The community believes in Jesus Christ but does not believe that he is the Almighty God. Jw.org, a website that provides all details about the community, says that the community offers prayers in Jesus' name, adding, "We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man." Also read: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed However, the website adds that it is different from other religious groups that are called Christian. "For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others," the website further says. The community's presence in India According to jw.org, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been present in India since 1905. The community established an office in Mumbai (then called Bombay) in 1926 and obtained legal registration in 1978. The community benefits from the guarantees of the Indian constitution, which include the right to practice, profess, and propagate one’s faith. "Jehovah’s Witnesses generally worship without hindrance in India. However, in some states, they have been victims of mob attacks and other acts of religious intolerance," the website adds. A landmark case involving the community was Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala. The case was about three children from the community- Bijoe, Binu Mol and Bindu Emmanuel, who were expelled from school in 1985 after they refused to sing India's national anthem. As per court documents, when the anthem was played during the morning assembly, the children stood respectfully but did not sing since it was against their religious faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Upon expulsion, their father filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court, contending that the expulsion of his children was an infringement of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression under Article 19 and freedom of religion under Article 25. The court dismissed the case, finding that “no words or thoughts” in the national anthem were capable of offending religious convictions. The father later filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. The apex court discussed the applicability of Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971, under which: “Whoever, intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished." However, the court held that standing up silently “clearly does not either prevent the singing of the National Anthem or cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing.” It ruled that the expulsion from school violated the children’s rights to freedom of expression and religion. It accordingly set aside the High Court’s judgment and ordered the then Kerala government to readmit the children to school Jehovah’s Witnesses in India continue to meet with government officials and apply to the courts to protect their right to practice their religion freely. The serial blasts that shook the community The serial blasts at the three-day-long Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery killed two women and injured more than 50 others. Addressing a press conference, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 17 people were in intensive care with five in critical condition. Earlier, state Health Minister Veena George told the news agency Reuters that a 12-year-old girl with 95% burns was also in a critical state. Dominic Martin posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack. "I am taking full responsibility for this. I carried out the bomb explosion. I am making this video to make it clear why I did this," Martin said in the video which was on Facebook for four hours before it disappeared. He shortly surrendered at the police station in Thrissur. Speaking to Reuters, police public relations officer Pramod Kumar said, "Dominic is still being questioned in Kochi. He is in our custody but we have not recorded his arrest so far." "We are still trying to ascertain the veracity of his statement, it will take some time. We are not in a position to confirm his involvement in the case right now, investigation is ongoing," Kumar added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, the community targeted in Kerala serial blasts?

<p>Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of southern Indian state of Kerala, on Monday (Oct&nbsp;30) convened an all-party meeting a day after blasts hit a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Wintnesses in Kochi district. The all-party meeting was organised in the State Secretariat in state capital Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<p>The all-party meet adopted a resolution for social unity and also appealed&nbsp;people of Kerala to stand united against attempts to malign image of the state.</p>

<p>The resolution said that Kerala was a peaceful and harmonious state.</p>

<p>“At the same time, we know there are people who are intolerant about Kerala’s social situation and want to eliminate it in one sweep. This meeting wants to make clear that the state will go ahead, overcoming such isolated attempts at disintegration,” the resolution said.</p>

<p>“A situation of spreading hatred against a faith, or of viewing a community or a person with suspicion cannot be allowed. The forces that try to whip up such thoughts of disintegration should be seen as common enemies of our country and our people. All political parties and individuals are committed to take this thought to society,” the resolution said.</p>

<p>It also urged people to not pay heed to rumours.</p>

<p>Among the attendees were Congress leader VT Belram, IUML leader PK Kunjalikutty, NCP leader PC Chacko, Kerala Congress leader Monce Joseph, JDS leader Mathew T Thomas, CPI leader P Sudheer, BJP leader C Krishna Kumar and ministers K Rajan, Roshi Augustin, Antony Raju, A K Sasindran, Kadannapally Ramachandran, CPI (M) state secretary M V Govindan and opposition leader V D Satheesan.</p>

<p>"The major concern of all the parties is that Kerala should not be communally divided...Such an incident is unusual in Kerala, and the state government has agreed to strengthen vigilance," said PK Kunhalikutty, leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).</p>

<p>The multiple blasts in Kalamassery area of Kochi District have hit national headlines with leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising CM Pinarayi Vijayan for what they say is failure of the state government.</p>

<p>A man by the name of Dominic Martin has claimed responsibility for the blasts and surrendered to police in Thrissur. The police said that they were still in the process of verifying Martin's claims.</p>

<p>Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was&nbsp;used to trigger the blasts that led to death of 1 woman and injured 56. A 12-year-old girl succumbed to burn injuries on Monday morning. The death toll is now at 3. Four others are in critical condition in hospital.</p>

<p>Kerala chief minister has formed a 20-member probe team to investigate the blasts.</p>

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Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of southern Indian state of Kerala, on Monday (Oct 30) convened an all-party meeting a day after blasts hit a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Wintnesses in Kochi district.

Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of southern Indian state of Kerala, on Monday (Oct 30) convened an all-party meeting a day after blasts hit a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Wintnesses in Kochi district. The all-party meeting was organised in the State Secretariat in state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The all-party meet adopted a resolution for social unity and also appealed people of Kerala to stand united against attempts to malign image of the state. The resolution said that Kerala was a peaceful and harmonious state. “At the same time, we know there are people who are intolerant about Kerala’s social situation and want to eliminate it in one sweep. This meeting wants to make clear that the state will go ahead, overcoming such isolated attempts at disintegration,” the resolution said. “A situation of spreading hatred against a faith, or of viewing a community or a person with suspicion cannot be allowed. The forces that try to whip up such thoughts of disintegration should be seen as common enemies of our country and our people. All political parties and individuals are committed to take this thought to society,” the resolution said. It also urged people to not pay heed to rumours. Among the attendees were Congress leader VT Belram, IUML leader PK Kunjalikutty, NCP leader PC Chacko, Kerala Congress leader Monce Joseph, JDS leader Mathew T Thomas, CPI leader P Sudheer, BJP leader C Krishna Kumar and ministers K Rajan, Roshi Augustin, Antony Raju, A K Sasindran, Kadannapally Ramachandran, CPI (M) state secretary M V Govindan and opposition leader V D Satheesan. "The major concern of all the parties is that Kerala should not be communally divided...Such an incident is unusual in Kerala, and the state government has agreed to strengthen vigilance," said PK Kunhalikutty, leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The multiple blasts in Kalamassery area of Kochi District have hit national headlines with leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising CM Pinarayi Vijayan for what they say is failure of the state government. A man by the name of Dominic Martin has claimed responsibility for the blasts and surrendered to police in Thrissur. The police said that they were still in the process of verifying Martin's claims. Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used to trigger the blasts that led to death of 1 woman and injured 56. A 12-year-old girl succumbed to burn injuries on Monday morning. The death toll is now at 3. Four others are in critical condition in hospital. Kerala chief minister has formed a 20-member probe team to investigate the blasts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kerala: All-party meeting, convened after blasts, adopts resolution for social unity 

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<p>India's national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on a high alert following serial blasts in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday (Oct 29). According to a report by the news PTI, security was beefed up around churches, metro stations, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places in New Delhi. Speaking to PTI, a police officer, who chose to remain anonymous, said, "Teams have been informed to put barricades on the border area from Uttar Pradesh side and Haryana side."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-live-updates-cm-calls-for-all-party-meeting-amit-shah-assures-help-652621">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the aftermath of Kerala serial blasts</a></strong></p>

<p>"Police in civil dress, riders, and PCRs have been asked to stay on alert and not to ignore any information they receive," the officer said, adding cops were keeping a strict vigil in overcrowded markets, and extra platoon deployment was already in place considering the festival season.</p>

<h2><strong>Security tightened at Jewish centre in Mumbai</strong></h2>

<p>In Mumbai, a similar alert (like New Delhi) was issued by the police given the festival season, and upcoming cricket matches, a report by NDTV said. The report added that security had been tightened at the Chabad House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his government is always on alert, adding, "We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On Kerala blasts, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "We are always on alert, no separate alert has been given, but we are careful because big cities like Mumbai and Pune are in Maharashtra. We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place.… <a href="https://t.co/GYNwEss5xt">pic.twitter.com/GYNwEss5xt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1718577851568673223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar ordered all districts to be on alert. "Orders have been given to keep special surveillance in several districts including Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Hapur, Baghpat, Bareilly, Rampur, Agra," Kumar told the news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala serial blasts: Two killed, 52&nbsp;wounded</strong></h2>

<p>Two persons were killed and 52 were injured when at least three consecutive blasts were reported in Kerala during a prayer event of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The explosions took place during the event at the Zamra International Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, Ernakulam. Citing local media, the news agency Reuters reported that the group was holding a three-day zonal convention that had seen more than 2,000 attendees.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the blast at Zamra International Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar, says "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he… <a href="https://t.co/q59H7TaQC7">pic.twitter.com/q59H7TaQC7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1718582663479775735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to reporters, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that one person surrendered to the police claiming he was behind the blasts. "His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case," Kumar said.</p>

<p>The Kerala government has initiated an investigation and the central government has sent an eight-member team from the National Security Guard (NSG)&nbsp;and a team of anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) following a directive of Union&nbsp;home minister Amit Shah to the southern state to investigate as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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India's national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on a high alert following serial blasts in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday (Oct 29).

India's national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on a high alert following serial blasts in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday (Oct 29). According to a report by the news PTI, security was beefed up around churches, metro stations, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places in New Delhi. Speaking to PTI, a police officer, who chose to remain anonymous, said, "Teams have been informed to put barricades on the border area from Uttar Pradesh side and Haryana side." Click here to follow LIVE updates on the aftermath of Kerala serial blasts "Police in civil dress, riders, and PCRs have been asked to stay on alert and not to ignore any information they receive," the officer said, adding cops were keeping a strict vigil in overcrowded markets, and extra platoon deployment was already in place considering the festival season. Security tightened at Jewish centre in Mumbai In Mumbai, a similar alert (like New Delhi) was issued by the police given the festival season, and upcoming cricket matches, a report by NDTV said. The report added that security had been tightened at the Chabad House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai. Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his government is always on alert, adding, "We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place." #WATCH | On Kerala blasts, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "We are always on alert, no separate alert has been given, but we are careful because big cities like Mumbai and Pune are in Maharashtra. We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place.… pic.twitter.com/GYNwEss5xt — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023 × Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar ordered all districts to be on alert. "Orders have been given to keep special surveillance in several districts including Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Hapur, Baghpat, Bareilly, Rampur, Agra," Kumar told the news agency ANI. Kerala serial blasts: Two killed, 52 wounded Two persons were killed and 52 were injured when at least three consecutive blasts were reported in Kerala during a prayer event of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses. The explosions took place during the event at the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, Ernakulam. Citing local media, the news agency Reuters reported that the group was holding a three-day zonal convention that had seen more than 2,000 attendees. #WATCH | On the blast at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar, says "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he… pic.twitter.com/q59H7TaQC7 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023 × Speaking to reporters, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that one person surrendered to the police claiming he was behind the blasts. "His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case," Kumar said. The Kerala government has initiated an investigation and the central government has sent an eight-member team from the National Security Guard (NSG) and a team of anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) following a directive of Union home minister Amit Shah to the southern state to investigate as well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai & UP on alert; Centre sends NSG team to Kerala

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