Kashmir: Two Injured in Separate Grenade Attacks on Independence Day

Srinagar: A civilian and a policeman were injured in two separate grenade attacks, while another succumbed to his injuries on Monday, August 15, amidst heightened security vigil in Kashmir valley in the wake of Independence day celebrations.

The two back-to-back grenade attacks were carried out within an hour, around 9 pm, according to the police, as suspected militants struck in Gopalpora village of Chadoora area in Budgam district in which one civilian, Karan Kumar Singh, was injured.

"He has been shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment where his condition is stated to be stable," a police official said.

The security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched an operation to locate the assailants. In another incident, a policeman was injured in a grenade attack at Police Control Room in Srinagar city.

"Terrorists hurled a grenade at Police Control Room Kashmir, resulting in minor injuries to one police personnel. The area was cordoned off. Further details shall follow," the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

According to officials, the cop had received splinter injuries in his arm, but his condition is said to be stable.

The two incidents were reported after a policeman, who was injured in an encounter in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar on Sunday, succumbed to his injuries Monday afternoon. The slain cop was identified as Constable Sarfaraz Ahmad, a resident of the Batote area of Ramban district. The police said one of the militants was also injured in the incident.

The police also claimed to have arrested a person for allegedly aiding a militant, Momin Gulzar, who is believed to have been involved in the Nowhatta incident.

"One Umer Mukhtar Naqeeb son of Bashir Ahmad resident of Natipora arrested for providing a 2nd hand scooty to active terrorist Momin Gulzar on July 27, 2022. This scooty, along with arms, ammunition, explosives, clothes, other incriminating material, was recovered yesterday after a chance encounter," the police said in a statement.

The police later said that a major incident was averted on the eve of independence day as the militants were intercepted ahead of the national day. The authorities had increased security cover across the region in the wake of the 76th independence day, which passed mostly "peacefully".

However, all markets and other establishments in the valley remained closed for business. There was scarce traffic on roads as security forces guarded all key entry and exit points around Srinagar city. The people avoided travel, especially to areas where Independence day functions were scheduled.

The fresh incidents of violence come at a time when the authorities have increased counter-insurgency measures against the militant groups and launched a severe crackdown against those claimed to be their 'supporters'.

"A final blow is being dealt to the terror ecosystem operating at the behest of the neighbouring country. We will push the last nail in the coffin of terrorism. Strike, stone pelting and protests have become things of the past," Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said during his I-Day address.