Kochi: Tragedy struck at a convention center in Kalamassery, Ernakulam district, Kerala, where a suspected terrorist attack unfolded during a Jehovah Witness Convention on a Sunday morning. Reports confirmed one fatality and over 20 individuals injured, with two of them in critical condition, as per Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Eyewitnesses recounted multiple explosions occurring during the convention, attended by approximately 2,000 people. Initial assessments are pointing toward a potential terror attack, and authorities including bomb squads, forensics teams, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have swiftly responded.
Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara, Baby PV, stated that two blasts occurred within a span of 5-10 seconds. While the situation is under control, further investigations, including analysis by Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams, are underway to determine the nature of the incident.
Jehovah Witnesses, a distinct Christian group, organize annual conventions like the one targeted, comprising Bible-based talks, dramatizations, and preaching work videos. Intelligence sources revealed that multiple blasts took place in one hall, indicating a clear terrorist intent. The Jehovah community has been cited as a potential target due to its unique identity, making it susceptible to attacks based on differences with other communities.
This incident comes amid controversy surrounding the participation of Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in an event in Kerala, where he virtually addressed a protest program against Israel’s conflict with the militant outfit.
