Grenade attack on local minister kills three in Kashmir

At least three bystanders have been killed and several others wounded after suspected militants fired a grenade at the motorcade of a local politician in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The attack took place as Nayeem Akhtar, a local government minister, was passing through the southern town of Tral in the Himalayan region.  He escaped unhurt in the assassination attempt.

S. P. Vaid, director general of police, said it appeared a grenade launcher was used to fire the explosive.

"Three civilians were killed in the attack. We are investigating," media outlets quoted Vaid as saying.

At least 20 people, including 10 government forces personnel, were also injured in the blast in the disputed region, the official noted.

On Wednesday evening, suspected militants attacked Indian security forces and stole weapons in southern Banihal town, killing one and injuring another.

Last month, militants attacked a police base in the southern part of Kashmir valley, killing eight Indian soldiers. The three attackers were also killed in the firefight.

Indian troops are in constant clashes with fighters seeking independence in Kashmir. About 500,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in the disputed region.

The Muslim-majority region has witnessed an increase in mass protests and violent attacks since early July 2016, when Burhan Wani, a top figure in a pro-independence group, was killed in a shootout with Indian troops.

Over 100 people have lost their lives and more than 12,000 others have been injured in the ensuing crackdown.

Tensions are high in Kashmir, where the Muslim-majority population stages regular protests against Indian rule.

SS