7 tourists among 20 injured in Pahalgam blast

Srinagar, Apr 27 (UNI) Seven tourists were among the 20 people wounded in a hand grenade blast at the crowded bus stand of Pahalgam in south Kashmir this afternoon, official sources said.

They said unidentified miscreants hurled a hand grenade towards security forces at a crowded bus stand at the tourist resort in Pahalgam, about 100 km from here at 1210 HRS.

However, it missed the intended target and exploded on the roadside causing injuries to 20 persons. The injured included seven tourists. All but one injured persons have been discharged from the hospital after giving them first aid.

A Sumo was also damaged, they said adding the driver was admitted in the hospital.

However, normally returned in the area after an hour and tourists could be seen enjoying horse riding.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has strongly condemned the blast.

In a statement here today, Mr Sayeed said the petrators of such acts are not the friends of the people of Kashmir.

Such unfortunate incidents during the tourist season will send a wrong singal across the world about the Kashmir, he said.

Mr Sayeed prayed for speedy recovery of those injured in the blast.

UNI BAS PR VC1830