Bomb hoax creates panic in Srinagar

Srinagar, Feb 22 (UNI) Panic gripped the busy Jehangir Chowk, near here, when rumours spread that a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in a suitcase.

The area was immediately cordoned off and traffic on the road leading to civil secretariat was stopped.

With memories of October 1, 2001 blast, which claimed 45 lives, at the main gate of nearby Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Complex, still afresh in the minds of people, all the shopkeepers and others present in the area ran for safety.

Eyewitnesses said when bomb disposal squad experts opened the suitcase, only few cloths were found inside it.

Traffic also resumed on the road after an hour, official sources said.

UNI