In a disturbing incident, at least 12 civilians were injured in a grenade blast near the busy Tourism Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. The explosion occurred in the midst of a bustling Sunday market, where locals had gathered for their weekly shopping spree. The attack, which was meant to target security forces, ended up causing civilian casualties when the grenade missed its intended target.
The Incident at TRC Ground
The grenade was thrown just outside the TRC playground, an area that witnesses high foot traffic on Sundays due to the popular weekly market. According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the explosion left several bystanders injured as they were caught in the chaos. Reports indicate that the attackers were likely aiming for security personnel stationed nearby, but the grenade fell short, detonating in the midst of shoppers.
Security personnel immediately rushed to the scene, cordoning off the area and sending reinforcements to control the situation. Emergency services were quick to respond, and all the injured civilians were swiftly transported to Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital for treatment. Doctors at the SMHS hospital have confirmed that all 12 civilians are in stable condition and are receiving the necessary care.
Details of the Grenade Blast
The attack unfolded at around noon, a time when the area was packed with people, adding to the chaos and confusion following the blast. The Sunday market is a popular weekly event in Srinagar, drawing large crowds of locals who come to purchase goods at discounted rates. Shoppers and vendors alike were left in shock as the explosion sent panic through the streets.
Local officials believe the attackers intended to hit security forces in the area but miscalculated, resulting in civilian injuries instead. “It appears that the attackers missed their target, and the grenade landed in the middle of the market, causing injury to innocent civilians,” said a senior police official.
Authorities quickly launched a search operation to track down those responsible for the attack. Security forces sealed off the area and initiated a manhunt, with efforts focused on identifying and capturing the perpetrators. “Reinforcements have been deployed to the location, and the entire area has been cordoned off,” the official added, confirming that efforts are underway to apprehend the attackers.
Swift Medical Response
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, paramedics and local authorities were on the scene to provide assistance to the injured. Ambulances quickly transported the wounded to the SMHS Hospital, where medical staff were prepared to handle the influx of patients. While the injuries were serious, doctors have reassured that all of the victims are in stable condition.
“The injured are being treated at SMHS Hospital, and none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. All patients are stable at this point,” said one of the hospital’s senior doctors.
Security Response and Ongoing Investigation
Following the explosion, security in the area was significantly ramped up. The Jammu and Kashmir police, along with paramilitary forces, increased their presence in the region to prevent any further attacks. Authorities have intensified surveillance and are combing through the area for leads on the attackers.
The attack comes at a time of heightened tensions, where there has been a recent uptick in violent incidents. Just a day prior, a terrorist was killed, and four security personnel were injured in a gunfight in the Khanyar area of Srinagar. The firefight, which lasted several hours, took place after security forces launched an operation to flush out militants holed up in the densely populated area. The situation has remained tense, with security forces maintaining a high alert across the city.
Efforts to Nab the Perpetrators
Police officials have launched a full-scale investigation to track down the attackers behind the blast. A senior police officer confirmed that efforts to identify the suspects are already underway. “We are pursuing all leads, and efforts are on to nab those responsible for this cowardly act,” he stated.
Security forces are also reviewing surveillance footage from the area and questioning witnesses who may have seen the attackers prior to the explosion. In addition to deploying reinforcements to the scene, authorities have intensified patrols to prevent any further attacks.
Rise in Terrorist Activity
The attack adds to the growing list of recent violent incidents in the Kashmir Valley. Over the past few months, there has been a surge in militant attacks targeting both civilians and security forces. Authorities believe these attacks are part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the region and spread fear among the local population.