NEW DELHI, May 21: Seven people were killed and over 20 injured when suspected terrorists attacked a Congress rally at the Sher-i-Kashmir Park in Srinagar.
Among those injured were senior police officers including Inspector General K Rajendra.
The attack on the rally, organised by the Youth Congress to remember former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 15th death anniversary, took place at 1:15 pm (IST).
Two militants attacked the Congress gathering, first with grenades and then gunfire.
“Strict security arrangements had been made. The militants tried to evade security forces by appearing in JKP uniform. As soon as they made their presence felt, security forces retaliated.
“But since civilians were present, we cordoned off the area. One militant was killed inside and the other one was killed just outside,” said A P Maheshwari, Inspector General, CRPF.
The Al Mansoorian, said to be a front group for the LeT has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi called the attack an act of cowardice, orchestrated by those forces who are opposed to the process of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The home minister described the attack as an attempt to derail the peace process. He said such incidents will not deter the government from pursuing the goal of peace in Kashmir.
