Major fire in Arms depot, 35 injured, thousands rescued in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 11 (UNI) About 35 people, including twelve Army and civil fire service personnel, were injured when a major fire broke out in an Army ammunition depot, triggering an explosion in south Kashmir today.

Militant outfit Jamait-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) has claimed responsibility for the fire.

A defence spokesman confirmed that the fire broke out at 0915 hours in the 21 Field Ordinance Depot at Khandroo, about ten km from Anantnag, where arms and ammunition were stored.

He, however, ruled out any sabotage or militant hand in the fire.

A police spokesman confirmed that about 11 people, including four civilians, were injured while, at least 20,000 people from four villages were taken to safer places.

He said repeated announcements were being made through public address system in mosques and police Jeeps, requesting people to leave their homes.

Sources said big explosions could be heard in the ten km radius from the depot.

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