TIPS to search 200  million Web pages fast!

J&K minister escapes bid on life

Mukhtar Ahmed in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Public Works Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar escaped unhurt in a grenade explosion at village Arwani in southern Anantnag district late Wednesday afternoon.

Over 20 people, including five policemen and a district chief of the ruling National Conference, were wounded in the explosion.

Police sources said unidentified militants hurled a handgrenade after Sagar was about to leave after inaugurating a bridge at village Arwani.

Those injured in the blast included a district president of the National Conference and Deputy Police Superintendent Suhail Ahmed Mir.

The injured were rushed to the hospital. Fifteen of them were brought to Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar in the evening.

Mir was operated upon at the Soura Medical Institute. Sources said he has received serious abdominal injuries and his condition is critical.

A police spokesman said that militants after hurling the grenade opened indiscriminate fire.

Police and para-military forces have rushed to the spot and the area has been sealed. This is the first time a politician has been targeted in the state after a government-sponsored ceasefire came into force.

In another incident the army shot dead an unidentified militant at village Bhoot in northern Barramullah in the course of an encounter. One army soldier died in the fierce gun battle, while another one was seriously wounded.

In a mine blast at Debha three policemen were wounded. The injured cops were admitted to a hospital.

Complete coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report