Omar escapes grenade attack

Speaking to The Indian Express, Abdullah said: “Grenades exploded just 15 metres away from the compound where we had settled down in a tent for some refreshment.” The explosions alerted the security personnel, who fired some shots in the air and took Abdullah inside the house. The area was cordoned off, and a hunt has been launched to find the militants.

Abdullah said the attack was the handiwork of the “forces within the state” who were bent on sabotaging the peace process.

However, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range, S M Sahai, said the attack was not aimed at Abdullah’s rally. He said the explosions occurred some distance away.

The attack, which comes in the wake of a renewed surge in militant violence across the state, is the second attempt on Abdullah’s life. In October 2004, Abdullah had a narrow escape when militants set off a powerful IED explosion during the mourning prayers for slain NC leader Safdar Ali Beigh in South Kashmir.

So far, no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for today’s incident, which is likely to hamper the intensified political activity in the state. In the last few months, mainstream parties like National Conference, People’s Democratic Party and even the Congress have held scores of public meetings in the far corners of the state.

Incidentally, while addressing the public meeting at Sapar today, Abdullah acknowledged the rising violence and attributed it to the “slowing down” of the peace process. “Frustration is creeping back in the state as a result of the peace process failing to deliver anything concrete. India and Pakistan should note this,” Abdullah said.

But IG Sahai denied that the situation in the Valley was deteriorating. “One attack cannot be indicative of rising militancy in the state,” he said.