The first attack was reported from Budshah Chowk, adjacent to Lal Chowk, while the other attack took place at Batamaloo. Both spots are near the state legislature complex. Both Houses of the legislature were in session at the time of the attacks.
Police said two militants, equipped with pistols, opened fire at two CRPF personnel from close range at Budshah Chowk. Both security men died on the spot. The militants escaped.
On hearing gunshots, people in the busy Budshah Chowk and Lal Chowk began to run helter-skelter. Shopkeepers downed shutters and vehicular traffic came to a stand still. Senior police and security officials rushed to the spot immediately.
“I was purchasing some items from a shop. As I heard the gunshots, I ran for safety,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, who was present at Budshah Chowk. Mohammad Nazir, a police official, said the security forces did not retaliate. The other attack took place at Batamaloo within minutes after the first. The militants hurled a grenade towards the CRPF men, injuring six persons including two security men.
After the twin strikes, security was beefed up in the legislature complex. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad, said efforts were on to nab the militants behind the attacks. “All arrangements are being taken to prevent such attacks in future,” the IGP said.
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