M A I N   N E W S

16 injured as terror strikes Doda migrants
Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 17
Sixteen persons were today injured in yet another grenade attack in Doda by terrorists on the Hindus seeking protection in their villages. Three of the seriously injured had been airlifted here for treatment in the Medical College and Hospital.

This is the second grenade attack within the past four days on these people who have migrated from their villages out of fear following the massacre of 19 Hindus in Kulhand village. Two persons were killed and 41 injured in the grenade attack on a procession, which these people had taken out on May 14.

Reports said unidentified militants lobbed a grenade in the Ramlila ground where about 300 Hindus were camping in support of their demand for establishing pickets of security forces and village defence committees (VDCs) in their areas.

The other 13 injured were getting treatment in the district hospital at Doda. One person has received splinter wounds in his eye. These grenade attacks on the minority during the broad day light are causing resentment among the people, who complain that the authorities have miserably failed to protect them in the district headquarters.

Meanwhile, the state vice-president of the BJP, Prof Hari Om, has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Ghulam Nabi Azad-led coalition government saying it has “failed” to protect the minorities.

Prof Hari Om urged the President and the state Governor to realise the gravity of the situation and dismiss forthwith the Azad ministry.