A day after Hizbul Mujahideen outfit blamed one of its cadre for the recent attacks on mobile telephony and target killings in Sopore of north Kashmir, a series of attacks took place on mobile service operators in its capital Srinagar. Though there were no casualties due to the grenade attacks, it recreated panic among people associated with telecommunication business.
Hizbul Mujahideen on Thursday said that Qayoom Najar, one of its senior cadres in north Kashmir’s Sopore town was the man behind creation of lashkar-e-Islam outfit involved in the recent target killings and attacks on telecommunication operators. The outfit announced to expel Najar following an internal enquiry.
Though no outfit claimed responsibility for the Friday attacks, it is perceived they have relation with the Hizb’s latest action.
Sources said two unidentified persons showed up at an Aircel showroom in Karan Nagar locality and dragged the employees outside before exploring a grenade.
The unidentified persons then entered into a Vodafone showroom around 500 meters away from the first blast site and exploded another grenade in a similar fashion. A car parked outside the showroom was also damaged.
In the afternoon, the attackers showed up in Shaheedgunj area and hurled a grenade on a BSNl tower. A non-local labourer Muhammad Faiq was injured in the attack.
The series of attacks in the capital city created fear among the employees working for cellular companies.
“I visited the spots and discussed the issue with my officials,” DGP K Rajendra said adding the directions have been issued to police to immediately identify the attackers.
“There is no need to panic. These incidents will not affect the tourism and yatra season in anyway,” he said.
Friday’s attacks on mobile telecommunication facilities in Kashmir came after a lull of nearly two months.
About two months back, militants had targeted mobile telecommunication facilities in Sopore town by carrying out grenade attacks and later killing two persons associated with the telecom trade.