Terror attack on CRPF convoy: Rajnath Singh to reach Srinagar on Friday

Rajnath Singh has cancelled a rally in Bihar and has been appraised of the situation in J&K's Awantipora.

IANS Photo

New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will reach Srinagar on Friday to take stock of the ground-situation after a cowardly terror attack on a CRPF convoy killed at least 39 personnel in Awantipora.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said on Thursday that Rajnath has spoken to J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik as well as CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar who have appraised him of the situation.

Rajnath was scheduled to visit Bihar but has cancelled it in the wake of the Awantipore attack which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

It is reported that an explosive-laden car rammed into a bus in the CRPF convoy in what is being seen as a dastardly suicide attack. Apart from those martyred, there have also been many who have received serious injuries. CRPF's Bhatnagar said that senior officers are at the spot of the incident and an investigation has been launched. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval too is keeping a close watch on the situation.

The political fraternity, meanwhile, has united in condemning the attack with leaders like Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Arun Jaitley expressing their condolences for the families of the bravehearts who lost their lives.