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AROUND THE WORLD 1: A Violent Week In India

There are two tragic events to report in India this week. First, on Monday, simultaneous bomb explosions went off in the city of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). The explosions came from bombs placed in cars. One explosion went off in a market place near the Hindu Temple of Mumbadevi and the other went off near the famous Gateway of India monument. At least 39 people were killed in the explosions and many others were injured.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts but the Indian government has guessed that it was a well-known terrorist group in India. India has ongoing problems of violence between extremist Muslim and Hindu groups. The two religions frequently argue and fight over land and ancient holy sites. These explosions appear to be a part of that pattern in India. The Indian government has increased security at famous holy sites for both religions across the country, in case there is further violence related to these bombings.

The other tragedy to report is unrelated to the bombings. During a festival celebrating a the Hindu holiday of Kumbh Mela. Hundreds of thousands of people were crowded together waiting for a chance to bathe in the Godavari river as part of the traditions of the festival. The movement of the crowd got out of hand and suddenly a stampede broke out. Many people were trampled and at least 33 people were killed. There were barricades placed along the street where the people were gathering, but the barricades broke and the people began running out to the open space.

A country with as many citizens as India expects to see major news events each week, but this week was unusually tragic.

--Written by Betsy Mesard

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