Grenade attack as Mufti files nomination

Militants fired two grenades at supporters of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, even as the Chief Mi...

Militants fired two grenades at supporters of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, even as the Chief Minister was inside, filing his nomination papers for the Pahalgam constituency.

Five bystanders were injured in the attack, as the grenades exploded over 500 yards away from the DC’s office, with barely two weeks to go for the Assembly by-elections on October 13.

According to officials, the five injured were rushed to Srinagar for treatment and the condition of one is said to be critical.

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The militant outfit, Jamait-ul-Mujahideen, later claimed responsibility for the attack.

The grenades are suspected to have been fired from a nearby yard, with top police and CRPF officials struggling to explain how militants managed to strike so close to the CM despite tight security in the area.

Along with Mufti, inside the DC’s office, were the CM’s daughter and MP Mehbooba Mufti and senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) colleagues.

‘‘We just know that two grenades exploded in quick time. One fell on the Senior Superintendent of Police’s residence, which is located behind the DC’s office, and the other in the bus terminal. The whole area has been sealed off and a hunt has been launched for those who fired the grenades,’’ said a senior CRPF official.

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However, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) K Rajendra said the target of the attack was the security camp near the DC’s office. ‘‘Our belief is that it was an attack on the security camp. A bit of panic was set off by the blasts but people returned to the venue immediately. These attacks are carried out by militants to create mischief and make their presence felt,’’ said Rajendra.

The CM, meanwhile, brushed aside the incident and emerged from the DC’s office to address his supporters, calling on them to pray for the success of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in New York on September 24.

‘‘Friendship between India and Pakistan can ensure a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. A lasting solution to the problem can put an end to the suffering here. It’s better in everybody’s interests that Delhi initiates talks with Kashmiris too,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mehbooba Mufti said she had vacated the Pahalgam seat for her father in deference to the wishes of the people. ‘‘The people at Pahalgam wanted Mufti sahab to contest the polls. He is in love with Pahalgam too. This prompted me to vacate the seat,’’ she said.