40 killed in Kabul suicide attack
Kabul: At least 40 people were killed and over 30 injured on Thursday in a suicide attack inside a cultural centre here, the Interior Ministry has confirmed.
The explosion took place around 10.30 a.m. in the Qala-e-Nazar area, Nasrat Rahimi, the ministry spokesman told Efe news, adding that the victims included women and children.
Rahimi said the building where the attack took place also houses the office of the Sada-E-Afghanistan (Afghan Voice) news agency and a mosque.
A ministry official told the BBC that the suicide blast was followed by two other explosions in the area.
The attack has not yet been claimed by any insurgent group.
The Taliban have issued a statement saying that they were not involved.
According to one survivor, social activists had gathered at the centre for a meeting when the blast occurred, reports Tolo News.
The police have said that there were at least three suicide bombers who also used grenades in the attack.
The toll was likely to increase as many of the injured were in critical condition.
On Monday, eight people were killed and two injured in a suicide bomb attack near an office of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in the capital city's Shashdarken neighbourhood.
The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the attack.
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HC Bench upholds single judge ruling allowing lighting of deepam on Thirupparankundram hill
Madurai (PTI): The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench on Tuesday upheld a single judge's order allowing the lighting of a lamp on a 'Deepathoon' on the Thirupparankundram hill here.
A Division Bench of Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan delivered the judgment, making it clear that the spot on which the stone pillar (Deepathoon) is located belongs to the Sri Subramania Swamy Temple.
Tamil Nadu Minister for Natural Resources, S Regupathy faulted the judgment and said the government has the right to prefer an appeal in the Supreme Court.
"No evidence was provided to prove that deepam was lit on the deepathoon....why a new practice should be introduced," the former Law minister asked.
In its order, the HC bench said the Devasthanam (temple management) must light the lamp at the Deepathoon.
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"In addition to the prohibitions and restrictions as found in Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Acts and Rules, ASI shall impose conditions appropriate and necessary to preserve the monuments in the hill."
The Devasthanam through their team has to light the lamp in the Deepathoon on the event of Karthigaideepam festival falling in the Tamil month, Karthigai (November-December). No public shall be allowed to accompany the Devasthanam team and the number of the team members is to be decided in consultation with the ASI and police. The District Collector shall co-ordinate and supervise the event, the court ruled.
The petitioner, Rama Ravikumar, welcomed the judgment and described it as a victory for the devotees of Lord Muruga. The BJP hailed the judgment and said it was a slap on the face of the DMK regime.
