Terror Timeline: Religious places, soft targets

VULNERABLE TARGET: Jama Masjid in Delhi was the site of a dual bomb attack in Apr 2006.

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The blast at Ajmer Dargah is certainly not a one off incident. Despite tight security measures, places of worship like mosques and temples remain vulnerable to terror attacks. The presence of hundreds and thousands of people make them soft-targets.

Here’s a timeline:

May 18, 2007: As many as 14 persons were killed and over 50 others injured in a bomb blast in the historic Mecca Masjid and in the subsequent police firings in the nearby areas.

September 8, 2006: Explosions rocked the textile town of Malegaon in Maharashtra on a Friday that coincided with the Shab-e-Barat festival. The first bomb went off right at entrance of the Noorani Masjid in the heart of the town. Two other blasts took place - one at the Mushaira Chowk and another at the graveyard. In all 38 people were killed and over 200 injured.

April 14, 2006: This attack took place in India's most famous Mosque. Jama Masjid in Delhi was the site of a dual bomb attack. Low-intensity explosions left 14 people, including two women, injured. The first explosion took place as the devotees prepared for the Asar prayers. Minutes later, a second bomb exploded and more people were injured.

March 7, 2007: Twin bomb explosions rattle the temple town of Benaras. The first blast took place at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple that was crowded since the day was a Tuesday, which is considered auspicious by Hindus. Another explosion took place near the Benaras Railway station. The attacks killed 20 people.