Shopian Grenade Attack: Terrorists Target Paramilitary Convoy In Kashmir, 8 Injured

Srinagar: Seven civilians and a jawan were injured today in a grenade attack on a paramilitary patrol party in south Kashmir's Shopian district.

The grenade was thrown at the convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force; the terrorists have escaped.

The attack in Shopian comes as security forces in Pampore on the outskirts of Srinagar battled terrorists hiding in a large government building in an encounter that has stretched over 24 hours.

While there is no confirmation on the number, one of the terrorists, police said, has been reportedly killed.

The army's Special Forces, paramilitary soldiers and counter-insurgency police began firing back at the terrorists in the Entrepreneurship Development Institute at about 6.30 am yesterday. The same building had been attacked in February. Five soldiers and a civilian were killed before three terrorists were shot dead.

Grenade explosions were seen intermittently at the institute, parts of which are on fire.

The terrorists approached the institute in boats on the River Jhelum, said sources.

Intel agencies have been warning of terror attacks in retaliation for the surgical strikes conducted by India across the Line of Control two weeks ago. Soldiers raided staging areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir where terrorists were waiting to cross the border and attack major cities, the army has said.

Over the last few months, the Kashmir Valley has been seared by its worst unrest in years. Since July, more than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands, including security  personnel, been injured in protests against the government and security forces over the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani, who was deeply popular in the area. He has been eulogized as a martyr by Pakistan, which has incited and funded the unrest, according to Delhi.