Srinagar, July 22: Hizbul Mujahideen militants today triggered an improvised explosive device planted underneath a car inside a CRPF camp in the heart of the city injuring a security forces personnel. Claiming responsibility for the blast, which occurred at at 11.55 am at regal chowk, a Hizbul spokesman told a local news agency that its cadres had planned a suicide attack after causing the explosion, but decided against it as it would have resulted in civilian casualties.
He described the attack as "a prelude" to more attacks on security forces in near future.
The device, attached underneath the Maruti car with a magnet, ripped apart its rear causing minor injuries to a barber working at the CRPF camp, official sources said.
The blast shook buildings causing panic in the area which is the hub of commercial activity, they said adding, window panes of vehicles parked nearby cracked due to the explosion.
The camp, housed in a multi-storey hotel, is occupied by 113rd battalion of the force.

The vehicle belonged to an official of the registrar of company affairs with its office located in the same building.

The owner of the car and several shopkeepers are being questioned by police and camp authorities, sources said.

Bureau Report