J&K Min escapes unhurt in grenade attack, 3 civilians killed

Srinagar, Sept 21: Three civilians were killed and over 17 others, including a senior police officer, injured when militants made an abortive bid on the life of senior Jammu and Kashmir Minister Naeem Akhtar at Tral, about 35 km from here in Pulwama district today, firing a grenade towards his motorcade. The victims included a teenager girl Pinky Kaur, a student of MA in Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Ghulam Nabi and Mohammad Iqbal Khan. Mr Akhtar, who is also chief spokesperson of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state, escaped unhurt and was escorted to safety by security forces after the attack. However, locals told UNI over phone that over 25 others, including some police personnel, were injured in the attack. Deputy Inspector General Police South Kashmir Range (SKR) recently tweeted “In #Tral incident so far two civilians dead and 17 persons injured including 7 SFs.@JmuKmrPolice”. Former chief minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack but expressed satisfaction that Mr Akhtar is safe. Director General of Police S P Vaid said a rifle grenade was fired from a distance which hit the rare side of the motorcade of the Minister near general bus stand, Tral. He said a senior police officer later escorted the Minister to a safe place. Dr Vaid said two civilians were killed and five others injured. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) and three CRPF personnel besides a senior engineer were also injured in the grenade blast. Mr Akhtar had gone there to lay foundation stone of a big project when the attack took place. He was going to Mandoor from Chandergam when militants carried out the attack. More UNI