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Three civilians killed in J&K grenade attack

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Three civilians, including a woman, were killed and 10 others were wounded in a powerful blast at Nowpora Bandipore in north Kashmir this afternoon. Hospital sources said the condition of two others is critical.

A senior police officer said unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a passing vehicle carrying security forces and pro-government militants at Nowpora. The grenade missed the target and exploded on the road.

Thirteen civilians were wounded, of which two succumbed to their injuries on the spot. The two victims have been identified as Ghulam Mohammad Kuchay and Mst Azi. Most of the injured were sent to Bandipore hospital while three of them were rushed to Srinagar's SMHS hospital.

Doctors said an elderly person, who is yet unidentified, has succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The other injured are undergoing treatment in hospital. No one has yet owned up responsibility for the killings.

Sources said security forces cordoned off the area and that searches were mounted.

Meanwhile, security forces shot dead a top militant of the Hizbul Mujaheedin, identified as Mohammad Sultan, at Ranalpora Handwara. Details were still awaited.

In the nearby Krankshivan area, two militants were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces. Sources said that last night that troops exchanged fire with militants during a search.

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