JK: 1699 killed in blasts in 17 years

Srinagar, Aug 16: Militants slaughtered 157 people while 1700 others had died in grenade and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts in Jammu and Kashmir during the past 17 years, official said.

They said insurgency has resulted in death of 16398 innocent civilians in different militancy related incidents. Officials said 157 persons were killed by slitting their throats in the state.

The IED blasts and indiscriminate grenade throwing has resulted in 1699 deaths and 15289 injuries. The injured included both women and children, they added.

Claiming a marked improvement in the security scenario due to the combined efforts of the people and the security forces, they said the state has not yet emerged out of the dark tunnel of violence.

Incidents of violence continue, the official said while referring two attacks on tourists which resulted in death of 10 persons including eight tourists and injuries to 11 others.

In other two attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, they said two locals connected with the Yatra were killed and 14 others injured.

UNI