ASSEMBLY POLL '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS '98
ARCHIVES

Attempt on former minister's family claims guard

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

The security guard of former Union minister of state for internal security Mohammad Maqbool Dar was killed while Dar's son, daughter and son-in-law were among the 11 persons hurt in a bomb explosion at Bragpora in southern Anantnag district this afternoon.

The police said the security vehicle in which the family members of the former Union minister were travelling was destroyed in the blast. The family members of the former minister were on their way to their relatives' place in a nearby village.

The police said the militants who planted the improvised device on the road set if off when the vehicle reached Bragpora on the outskirts of Anantnag town. This is the third bomb explosion in Anantnag district in three days - the incidents have claimed 12 lives and left over 70 injured.

The police identified the injured family members of Dar as his son Khalid Muzzafar Maqbool, his daughter Shamima Maqbool and his son-in-law Mohammad Saleem. Five people who were seriously injured, including the personal security guard of the former minister, were rushed to Srinagar for treatment.

The guard was identified by the police as Ghulam Mohammad Wagay of the 11^th battalion of the State Armed Police. The condition of four others is reportedly critical. Dar's family members are being treated at Anantnag.

Senior district officials, including the SSP, the deputy commissioner and security force officers rushed to the spot with reinforcements to comb the area.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blast though militants have recently stepped up their activities across the state.

Dar, who is currently outside the state, has been informed, and sources said he is returning tomorrow. More security has been rushed in to guard his family in Anantnag. Dar had lost the 1998 Parliament election from Anantnag constituency.

Tell us what you think of this report