SRINAGAR, Aug 17: A policeman was killed and eight people were hurt when suspected militants triggered a landmine blast in Occupied Kashmir, police said Wednesday.

The injured included five policemen. The explosion occurred in Katran village of Anantnag district when a police vehicle ran over a landmine, police said.

“Six policemen and three civilians were injured in the blast,” a police spokesman said. One wounded policeman died on the way to hospital while another was battling for his life, the spokesman added.

Security forces sealed off the village and launched a massive search to track down the militants responsible for the blast.

None of the dozen Mujahideen groups fighting New Delhi’s rule in the disputed Himalayan territory have claimed responsibility for the blast.

The area is a stronghold of the powerful pro-Pakistan group Hizbul Mujahedeen whose leadership is based in Azad Kashmir. Hizb detonated two car bombs in Srinagar in June and July, killing 13 soldiers and a Muslim civilian and injuring scores of people.—AFP