Militants open fire outside hotel in Srinagar, one person killed

Srinagar: Terror returned to Srinagar after several months, as suspected terrorists attacked a four-star hotel at Pantha Chowk-Parimpora bypass road on the outskirts of Srinagar, killing one employee and injuring others.

At least three terrorists, sources say, had tried to attack a passing army vehicle but failed. They then forced their way into the hotel and started shooting. The terrorists fled from the spot after that.

The road on which the hotel is situated is on the route of security convoys.

The hotel is a four star one, and is often used by VVIPs. Guests and other employees of the hotel are safe. The Deputy Inspector General of Police told reporters that a search was on for the terrorists but didn't confirm that there were no terrorists holed up inside the hotel.

An employee of the hotel told NDTV that at least three to four employees had been injured, two of them seriously. He claimed that as many as 20 shots were fired.

Advertisement

Senior police officers have told NDTV that there seemed to be no specific target, but the terrorists may have tried to get into a prolonged encounter to send a message to residents of Srinagar. The attack comes at a time when the largest-ever number of tourists visited the Valley this year and more are expected as the holiday season starts this weekend.

The entire has been cordoned off by Army and police personnel and search for the terrorists is on.

Advertisement

The attack came after a prolonged period of peace in the city and at a time when the authorities were thinking about reducing Army and police pickets in Srinagar.