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J&K minister's motorcade ambushed

July 04, 2003 20:52 IST

Jammu and Kashmir Rural Development Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed was among the 25 people injured when militants attacked his motorcade with grenades near Larnoo Kokernag in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

One civilian bystander, who was identified as Ali Mohammad Bhat, was killed on the spot. Among the injured were the two personal security officers of the minister.

The state government rushed a chopper to Anantnag to bring back the minister and injured officers to Srinagar for treatment. On arrival the minister was shifted to the Police Hospital in the city.

Doctors attending him said the minister has received splinter injuries.

The other injured were brought to Anantnag hospital for treatment.

Sources said condition of six was serious.

As the news about the attack reached the district headquarters, senior police officers rushed to the spot along with reinforcements.

The area has been cordoned off, sources said, and searches mounted.

The minister arrived in Kokernag this morning on a day's visit. He was accompanied by senior district officials.

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar