Fifteen civilians and eight security personnel were injured in twin grenade attacks by the Jasih-e-Muhammad (JeM) in south Kashmir on Monday.
The first attack took place at Shopian’s Batapora area around noon near a taxi stand. “The grenade exploded on the roadside. Twelve civilians and four policemen suffered splinter injuries,” said a police spokesman. A girl was critically injured, said the police.
Late in the afternoon, four CRPF personnels and three civilians, two of them women, were injured when suspected militants threw a grenade near Shaheed Park Tahab Chowk in Pulwama. “The CRPF personnel belonged to 183 Battalion. Their condition is stated to be stable,” said the police.
The attacks triggered panic in Shopian and Pulwama, where security forces stepped up security.
Militant outfit, JeM, which rejected the Centre’s “Ramzan ceasefire,” claimed responsibility. Over 10 grenade attacks have been reported since security forces stopped operations against militants 20 days ago.
Police said it detected an Improvised Explosive Device on the Nathipora-Wadoora road of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramullah district. “It was defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) without causing any damage,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Javiad Iqbal.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah described the attacks as an act of cowardice. “It should be resoundingly condemned by all,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Singh arrives
Udhampur-based Northern Command, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh, arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to review the overall security scenario in the Kashmir valley.
