M A I N   N E W S

Blast in Kashmir

Srinagar, September 10
11 militants, three securitymen and a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) activist were among 18 killed in separate incidents since last evening in Jammu and Kashmir where the security forces apprehended two ultras and their four harbourers.

A powerful blast, set off by militants, left one person dead and 28 wounded in Pattan town in Barmula, an official spokesman said.

The ultras targeted a grenade at an Army vehicle at main market Pattan this evening but it fell on the road after hitting the vehicle and exploded wounding 29 passers-by.

The injured were admitted to hospital where Gurmeet Singh, a carpenter hailing from Delhi, succumbed to his injuries.

The spokesman said the security forces shot dead five militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen in separate encounters at Khayar-Hapatnar and Damhalhanjipora in Anantnag district.

All five killed ultras were locals and included a self-styled district commander, Hilal Ahmad Machloo, alias Azad, and a “company commander”, Ghulam Hassan Khan, alias Suhail Iqbal, the spokesman said, adding that Hilal was active in south Kashmir for the last 10 years and his killing was considered a “blow” to the Hizbul.

Another self-styled district commander of the Hizbul-Mujahideen, Saifullah, was killed along with a Lashker-e-Toiba militant in an encounter with the security forces at Imberzalwari in Baramula district.

Two security personnel and a militant were killed in a gunbattle in the Mahore area of Udhampur district in Jammu region.

A security jawan was killed when militants fired at a search party at Muqam-Hampora in border district of Kupwara.

PDP activist, Hakeem Ghulam Nabi, was shot dead by unidentified militants near his house at Puchal village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir this morning.

Hakeem, a former block president of the National Conference who recently joined the PDP, was fired from point blank range by militants killing him on the spot.

Militants shot dead a civilian in his village at Wagat-Magam in the Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir today.

Dar was killed on the suspicion of being an informer of the security forces.

A BJP candidate from the Baramula Assembly constituency escaped a bid on his life when militants attacked his house with automatic weapons at Srinagar late last night.

A report from Baramula said militants attacked the house of Damodar Singh, a BJP candidate at Singpora Pattan late last night.

Security guards posted at his residence also retaliated and the exchange continued for about 15 minutes.

Mr Damodar Singh and his family members escaped unhurt in the attack.

Militants also made abortive bids on the lives of two National Conference candidates, including the younger brother of Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, in Baramula district of north Kashmir today.

Militants opened fire on the motorcade of State Industries Minister and NC candidate from the Gulmarg constituency Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, at Naidergund-Tangmarg at around 3.30 p.m.

Kamaal escaped unhurt in the attack, the second attempt on his life since the electioneering commenced.

Earlier, militants made an attempt on the life of another NC candidate from the Sangrama constituency, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, at Wagoora.

Bhat, who is contesting the election for the first time, escaped unhurt in the attack. PTI, UNI