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Attempt on Shia leader's life in J&K

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Prominent Shia leader and former minister Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari escaped with minor injuries in a powerful mine blast at Singhpora village, on the Srinagar-Barramullah highway on Friday evening.

Police said the personal security officer and driver of the Moulvi's vehicle were killed on the spot, while two others, including a radio operator,were wounded. The bullet-proof vehicle in which he was travelling, according to an eye-witness, was extensively damaged.

Locals, most of who are supporters of the Moulvi, rushed to the spot. The injured Shia leader and two other injured persons were shifted to hospital.

Sources said Mushtaq Ahmad and the driver Nazir Ahmad died on the spot.

Senior police and security force officers rushed to the spot immediately. However, angry supporters of the former minister stopped the police from reaching the spot and shouted slogans against them.

The Moulvi, the police said, was returning after addressing a religious congregation. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Earlier, there was an attempt on the Moulvi on June 2, when a powerful improvised explosive device exploded when he was addressing a religious gathering at Gund Khawaja Qasim in Barramullah district; 13 civilians died and 35 received injuries in the explosion.

The moulvi's security was later increased.

Sources said that he received minor splinter injuries and was undergoing treatment at the Soura institute.

Meanwhile, in a fierce gun-battle with militants at Drugteung village, on the Srinagar-Leh highway on Friday evening, two militants and two security force jawans died. An army official was seriously wounded and was rushed to hospital.

In heavy shelling in Nowgam sector of Kupwara district, two officials of the Border Security Force were killed overnight.

Police said sub-inspector Hans Raj and assistant sub-inspector S K Sadh of the 106 battalion were critically wounded in the heavy shelling. They were shifted to hospital but succumbed to injuries. Heavy shelling was reported from Uri sector in north Kashmir.

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