A wave of fear engulfed Srinagar on Sunday following a grenade attack at a bustling flea market, injuring five individuals. This shocking incident in a crowded area has reverberated throughout the region and triggered widespread condemnation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “deeply disturbing,” expressing alarm over the recent surge in violence against civilians. This marks the sixth such incident in the northern Union Territory since the establishment of the elected government, raising serious concerns about local security.
The grenade attack occurred just a day after Indian security forces successfully eliminated a high-ranking Lashkar-e-Taiba commander in the Khanyar area of downtown Srinagar. Yet, this incident underscores the ongoing threat from terrorist organizations operating in the region.
“The last few days have seen headlines dominated by attacks and encounters in the valley. Today’s grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market is deeply troubling. There is no justification for targeting civilians. The security forces must take all necessary actions to halt this wave of violence, allowing people to live without fear,” the Chief Minister stated on X.
Earlier in the week, two migrant laborers were shot and injured by terrorists in Budgam. Just two weeks ago, a doctor and six construction workers were killed in Ganderbal district. This recent spike in violence has left residents anxious and questioning current security measures.
“This kind of violence never happened here before. I don’t understand what’s going on in these past few days… Even during the height of militancy, we didn’t see this,” a local resident told ANI on Sunday.
Senior Congress leader Ravinder Sharma suggested a potential conspiracy behind the recent attacks, stating, “This is a ploy to disrupt the atmosphere here. Such incidents have increased since the elections and the formation of the new government… The Sunday market is typically crowded. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured. This underscores that militancy persists in the valley… The central government controls law and order; we demand stringent action.”
Authorities are currently investigating the attack and are implementing enhanced security measures in the area. This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and safeguard innocent civilians.
