Kashmir IED blast toll reaches 5

Srinagar, Aug 18 (UNI) With the deaths of three more injured CRPF personnel, the toll in last evening's IED blast at Awantipora in South Kashmir district of Pulwama has risen to five.

However, a Commanding Officer (CO) of the 183 battalion escaped unhurt in the attack for which Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) has claimed responsibility.

A CRPF spokesman said constable Bagwan Singh and Tajeshwar Rao and driver constable I Jagappa, who were injured in the blast, died in the hospital this morning.

Two CRPF personnel-- constable Aijaz Ahmad and S K Patra-- were killed on the spot and six others wounded in the blast.

Official sources said the main target was D S Bains, CO, who was travelling in another vehicle and escaped unhurt in the attack.

Spokesman said the body of Aijaz Ahmad was handed over to his relatives at Uri while bodies of four other deceased CRPF personnel would be sent to Delhi tomorrow.

The bodies would be taken to the native villages of each deceased jawan from Delhi, he said.

The HM has claimed responsibility for the blast.

UNI