A grenade attack targeted a CRPF vehicle near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) crossing in Srinagar on Sunday afternoon, missing its mark but injuring over a dozen pedestrians and shoppers, officials reported. The incident occurred amid the crowded ‘Sunday market,’ where hawkers gather to sell goods to weekend shoppers.
Officials said unidentified terrorists aimed a grenade at a CRPF mobile bunker vehicle, but it detonated on the road instead. “The grenade missed the target and exploded, injuring several civilians. The injured have been taken to the hospital, and the area has been sealed for searches. Senior police and CRPF officials are on the scene,” an official stated.
High Alert Following Spate of Attacks
The explosion comes after several violent incidents in Kashmir. A day earlier, security forces killed a top Pakistani LeT commander, Usman Bhai, in a gunfight in Khanyar, downtown Srinagar. Recent weeks have also seen multiple attacks on non-local workers and civilians, including incidents in Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Budgam districts.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack on social media, calling it “deeply disturbing.” He emphasized the need for stronger security efforts to prevent civilian attacks. “There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. Security must work urgently to stop this spurt of attacks,” he posted on X.
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah alleged the attacks aimed to destabilize the current administration and demanded an independent inquiry. However, intelligence agencies suggest cross-border terror handlers are frustrated by the peaceful Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in J&K, trying to disrupt the calm.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha pledged retribution for the bloodshed, promising that “each drop of innocent blood spilled by terrorists would be avenged.”
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