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A suspected militant was killed and 20 people were injured on Thursday when an explosive-laden car blew up in Bijbehara town in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said.
"An explosive-laden car blew up near Bijbehara, resulting in the death of its driver and injuries to 20 civilians," SSP, Anantnag, R K Jalla said.
Jalla said the militant's target was not known as he was killed in the explosion.
A senior police officer said the explosive laden car had been parked by militants near the town's police station which exploded with a big bang triggering panic and chaos.
"According to initial reports one person died on the spot while over a dozen are wounded and evacuated to various hospitals for treatment."
He said the car was completely destroyed in the blast. Thursday's car bomb shattered a long lull in the Valley.
Senior police officers rushed to the spot immediately to take stock of the situation.
The busy town in south Kashmir Anantnag district is located on the Jammu Srinagar highway and thousands of vehicles pass through it everyday.
Thousands of tourists who visit the Valley pass through the town for up and down journey to capital Srinagar.
A local resident reached by phone said the blast shook the market place. "I saw everyone around running for security," he said.
No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.
With inputs from PTI