Acknowledging people's alertness in preventing bomb explosions in Surat, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a reward of Rs 51 lakh for information leading to the terrorist network behind Ahmedabad serial blasts and the planting of bombs in Surat.
"It was due to the alertness of the people of Surat and police action that a terrorist act was thwarted in Surat," he said during a visit to the diamond hub, a day after 18 bombs were found in Surat.
Modi also announced rewards of Rs 21,000 each for those who gave information about live bombs and cars laden with explosives found from Surat and Ahmedabad.
The live bombs were recovered in and around Varacha area, where most of the diamond units were located.
Modi said the terrorists had targeted two most important financial hubs of the state -- Ahmedabad and Surat.
"Their plan was to cripple the financial activity of the state," Modi said.
With the terrorists targeting cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Hyderabad, it seems that their intention was to cripple the financial activities of the country, Modi said.
As many as 12 big incidents of terrorism have taken place in the last two years in the country, Modi said, adding that terrorism is a "proxy war" being waged by the enemies against India.
The Bharatiya Janata Party leader said the country needs to fight this terrorism considering it as a "proxy war".
The chief minister also asked the people to remain alert and ignore rumours.
To a question about possible leads in Surat bomb planting case, Modi said, "Investigation is still going on."
Earlier, Modi reviewed the situation and visited the places from where the live bombs were found.
The CM was accompanied by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Narottam Patel and Gujarat Police Chief P C Pande.
Modi, after visiting the sites, held a meeting with top police officials at the police commissioner's office.
The local administration has ordered closure of schools, colleges, shopping malls and parks today as a precautionary measure.
Recovery of the bombs had created panic in Surat.
