At least 11 civilians were injured on Sunday when terrorists lobbed a grenade at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bunker near a crowded flea market in the heart of Srinagar, officials said. The incident occurred near the heavily guarded Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) complex, which also houses the offices of All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra.
According to police, the grenade attack targeted a CRPF bunker but missed its mark, landing on a nearby roadside instead. The blast caused chaos and panic as thousands of shoppers at the popular weekly ‘Sunday market’ scrambled for cover.
A senior police official indicated that the attack was likely a retaliatory move by terrorists following the recent elimination of a high-ranking Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander in Srinagar’s Khanyar area. “The desperation of the terrorists following Saturday’s encounter seems evident in today’s attack,” he stated.
As security forces intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible, heightened security measures remain in place across Srinagar.
In a stern response to a grenade attack, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha pledged swift and decisive action against those responsible for targeting civilians. In a high-level security meeting, Sinha directed Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior officials to pursue an uncompromising course to neutralize terrorists and their networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Terrorists targeting our citizens will pay a very heavy price for their actions,” asserted the Lieutenant Governor, adding that security agencies have “full freedom” to dismantle terror outfits. His message was resolute: those threatening peace will not find sanctuary in the Valley, and the response will be “forceful and effective” to bring them to justice.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, instructing district authorities to ensure comprehensive support and medical care for the victims. This response underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to protect its citizens and deter those intent on destabilizing the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress also expressed alarm over the incident. “This ghastly attack on shopkeepers is shocking,” said Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra in a statement. “The police must implement effective measures to prevent such brutal attacks so the public can move freely and safely.”