Blasts rattle key mosque in India, injuring 13

NEW DELHI -- Two bombs shook New Delhi's main mosque yesterday shortly before worshipers gathered for evening prayers, sending terrified people running through the ornate 17th century complex, officials said. At least 13 people were injured.

The explosions came the same day that a series of grenade attacks by suspected separatist rebels left a bloody trail through the streets of Srinagar, the main city in violence-wracked Indian Kashmir.

Five people were killed.

Security forces fanned out across the city after the first blasts, stopping cars and frisking people as they rushed home. But the explosions kept coming -- there had been at least eight by nightfall -- with targets including police patrols, the main bus station, and a promenade frequented by tourists and lined with hotels and restaurants.

In New Delhi, the twin blasts at the Jama Masjid, the imposing red sandstone complex that is the heart of New Delhi's crowded old city, came about an hour before evening prayers.

''People were walking around and suddenly -- boom -- there was a bomb," said Mohammed Salaudi, who was inside the mosque during the first explosion.

Salaudi said he saw at least three wounded people and other worshipers running in fear.

The blasts occurred within 30 minutes of each other, said Police Chief K.K. Paul, who added they had been caused by ''low intensity" improvised explosive devices.

No one claimed responsibility for the bombings. Police put the city on high alert.