Grenade attack in Srinagar injures dozens of shoppers at 'Sunday market'

Srinagar: On Sunday afternoon, terrorists threw a grenade at a CRPF vehicle in Srinagar, but it missed its target and exploded on the road, injuring more than a dozen pedestrians and shoppers, according to officials.

The grenade was aimed at a CRPF mobile bunker near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) crossing in Srinagar city but landed on the road, injuring civilians in the busy area. The injured were taken to the hospital, and the area has been sealed off for searches, with senior police and CRPF officers arriving at the scene.

The explosion took place in an area crowded with people due to the popular “Sunday market,” where vendors sell items like warm clothes, blankets, and household goods.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack as "deeply disturbing." In a post on X, he expressed concern, saying, "There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security forces must do everything possible to end these attacks quickly so people can live without fear."

This attack comes a day after a top Pakistani terrorist commander was killed in a gunfight with security forces in downtown Srinagar, which also injured four security personnel.

In recent weeks, the Kashmir Valley has seen a rise in violent incidents, including attacks on nonlocal workers and civilians. Last month, six non-local workers and a local doctor were killed in Ganderbal district, and three soldiers and two civilian porters were killed by terrorists in Gulmarg on October 25.

Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah claimed these attacks are intended to destabilize the government led by Omar Abdullah and called for an independent investigation. However, intelligence agencies believe these attacks are a last attempt by cross-border terrorist handlers to disrupt peace in the region.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that the blood of innocent civilians spilled by terrorists would be avenged.


With IANS inputs