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On a bustling Sunday afternoon in Srinagar, a grenade attack shattered the peace of the city’s popular market. The incident, which took place near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) on Residency Road, left 12 civilians injured, including two women and four teenagers. Most of the victims were shoppers browsing the stalls of Srinagar’s crowded Sunday market, their day out turned into a terrifying ordeal.
The attack, the first of its kind in Srinagar in two years, sent shockwaves through the city and highlighted the ongoing security challenges faced by the region. The grenade, aimed at Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, missed its target and detonated near a street vendor’s cart. The explosion resulted in splinter injuries for the 12 shoppers, with one woman reported to be in critical condition.
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to apprehend the perpetrators. Meanwhile, top officials expressed their outrage and pledged to respond decisively to the act of violence. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, speaking to senior security officials, including the Director General of Police, called for an “effective and forceful” response. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed the sentiment, urging the security apparatus to “do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks.”
The attack comes amidst a recent surge in violence in the Kashmir Valley, with multiple encounters and attacks reported in recent weeks. This incident, targeting innocent civilians amidst a vibrant marketplace, has further heightened concerns about the ongoing security situation. The authorities, facing mounting pressure to address the escalating violence, have pledged to intensify their efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace to the region.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and a collaborative approach between security forces and the community to effectively address the threat of terrorism. The attack has left a trail of fear and uncertainty, but it has also ignited a renewed determination to combat the forces seeking to disrupt the peace and progress in the Valley.
Source: 12 shoppers at Srinagar’s busy Sunday market injured in grenade attack