Author: Mukhtar Ahmad
in Srinagar
Publication: Rediff
on Net
Date: August 1, 2000
Militants on Tuesday
afternoon attacked the heavily guarded office in Jammu City where Amarnath-bound
pilgrims are registered.
This is the first time
the extremists have struck in the heart of Jammu. In the subsequent
gun battle, one militant was killed.
Troops moved in and joined
police and paramilitary personnel in searching the area. Police sources
in Srinagar said two of the attackers are still believed to be hiding in
the grass nearby.
The militants opened
fire with automatic weapons on the registration centre. Luckily,
witnesses said, a police sub-inspector spotted one militant who was trying
to force his entry into the office located in the higher secondary school
building and shot him.
"There were nearly 300
pilgrims in the office when the militants struck," a source said.
The shooting caused them to panic and flee for cover.
A senior police officer
said no one was injured. Senior police and security force officers
immediately rushed to the spot. The building was encircled and searched.
Tuesday's attack followed
the fidayeen (suicide) attack on a transit camp of the army at Bandipora
on Monday. Seven soldiers were killed and six others wounded in that
incident.
The Lashkar-e-Toiba has
claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the spurt in attacks
by militants, security has been tightened across the State.
The army and paramilitary
forces deployed in Kashmir have suspended operations against the Hizbul
Mujahideen, which announced a unilateral ceasefire on July 24. But
operations against the other groups are continuing.
