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Grenade Thrown Accurately in Kashmir
A grenade explosion and gunfire at an election rally in Indian-held Kashmir killed nine people Thursday and wounded at least 56, including the state's tourism and finance ministers. The rally was being held by the state's governing People's Democratic Party ahead of national parliamentary elections to begin April 20. Eight civilians and a police officer were killed and at least 56 people were wounded, according to Dr. S. Jalal, administrator of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, where most of the wounded were being treated. Police said they suspected Islamic militants in the attack, and a man who said he was with the little-known rebel group Save Kashmir Movement quickly claimed responsibility.
| "Legume, round up the usual suspects!" |
But the president of the PDP said she didn't believe insurgents were behind the assault in the border town of Uri. Minutes after the explosions and gunfire, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, surrounded by bodyguards, told Associated Press Television News that she believed the attack was carried out by those opposing the reopening of a crucial highway between the capitals of divided Kashmir. "We know which elements are responsible for this. Militants are not behind it. They don't operate in Uri area," Mufti said. "This happened because some people do not want the highway to Muzaffarabad to reopen." Some Kashmiris believe the federal government and army are privately opposed to reopening the highway because it would create logistical problems and possibly even help the militants.
| I don't want the new four-laner behind my house but I haven't thrown any grenades over it. |
The state Interior Minister A.R. Veeri said it was too early to say who was behind the attack. "It is a matter of investigation. We have ordered an inquiry into it and it will only be possible to identify culprits after the investigations are done," Veeri told The Associated Press.
| "Hurry the hell up, Legume, we got a press conference and perp walk to do!" |
Posted by: Steve White 2004-04-09 |
