Blast near Kashmir assembly sparks panic

Suspected militants in Kashmir staged a grenade attack on Friday near the state assembly, causing panic but only one injury, police and witnesses said.

"A civilian was hurt in a grenade explosion that took place 100 metres (yards) away from the assembly complex," a police spokesman said, adding that the militants had targeted a police bunker.

People ran for cover after the blast, fearing the breakout of a gunbattle between militants and the large number of security forces deployed around the riverside complex in Srinagar.

In October 2001, around 40 people were killed in a suicide attack by suspected Muslim militants on the state assembly.

More than 42,000 people have died since 1989 when militants launched an insurgency against Indian rule in the divided region.

First Published: Jul 20, 2007 17:15 IST