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The recent grenade attack in Srinagar's bustling Sunday Market, which left 12 civilians injured, underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the region. This incident, however, was not entirely unforeseen. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had received specific intelligence input a week prior, warning of potential attacks on personnel in key locations across Srinagar, including the Sunday Market, Dal Lake, Lal Chowk, and various parks.
The intelligence, considered reliable, prompted the CRPF to issue a strict advisory to all its troops. This advisory directed personnel to cease casual movements and activities, including strolling along popular routes, cycling outside camps, and shopping in the Sunday Market or other local markets. Visits to parks and tourist sites, such as the Shankaracharya Temple and Zeshta Mata Temple, were also prohibited. Travel by civilian vehicles during leave and from the airport to units or offices was further restricted.
The CRPF's proactive measures based on this intelligence clearly averted a potential attack on its own personnel. However, despite the successful prevention of a direct attack on the CRPF, the terrorists managed to launch a grenade attack on the Sunday Market, injuring civilians. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups in the region and emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and security measures.
The Srinagar Police have launched an investigation into the attack, registering a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Substances Act. Authorities are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Following the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern, emphasizing the need for security forces to act decisively to curb such attacks and restore a sense of safety for the public.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in Kashmir and the need for concerted efforts from security forces and local authorities to combat terrorism effectively. It also underscores the importance of intelligence sharing and timely action in preventing such attacks.
Source: CRPF Intel Input Alerted Personnel A Week Ago About Attack on Srinagar’s Sunday Market