3 Lashkar-e-Taiba terror associates arrested for Srinagar grenade attack, 12 civilians injured

Three terror associates of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were arrested on Friday in connection with a grenade attack in Srinagar on Sunday, which left 12 civilians injured. The attack occurred at a weekly flea market in the city’s bustling Lal Chowk area, where grenades were thrown with the intent to target security forces. The grenades exploded near a paramilitary vehicle but injured several civilians instead.

The arrested individuals were identified as Usama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh. All three are residents of the Ikhrajpora locality, a known hotspot for militant activity in Srinagar. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the attack was coordinated by handlers based in Pakistan who instructed the suspects to create chaos and violence in the region. A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the three individuals.

The grenade attack occurred on Sunday when two terrorists threw grenades from a flyover overlooking the crowded market. The attack was aimed at the security forces deployed in the area, but the grenades missed their intended target and exploded near a paramilitary vehicle. The explosion resulted in 12 civilians being injured, including a few critically, who were immediately taken to a nearby hospital. The blast caused panic and chaos in the crowded market area, which is a major commercial hub in the region.

According to police officials, the grenade assault was part of a broader strategy by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to destabilize the region and disrupt the ongoing peace-building efforts. The attack occurred just days after multiple encounters between security forces and militants in different areas of Jammu and Kashmir, which had raised tensions in the region. Authorities have stated that the attack was intended to create an atmosphere of fear and violence, particularly in the run-up to the region's first elected government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The investigation into the attack revealed that the three arrested individuals were actively involved in preparing and executing the attack. The police gathered evidence linking the suspects to known militant groups operating in the region, particularly LeT, and confirmed their association with handlers in Pakistan. The arrested suspects had been under surveillance for several weeks before the attack. Following their arrest, security forces conducted further raids in the Ikhrajpora area, which led to the recovery of arms and ammunition suspected to be part of an ongoing supply chain to militants.

Authorities have heightened security measures across Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir following the arrests. The police have deployed additional forces in sensitive areas, especially around markets and civilian gatherings, to prevent further attacks. The region remains on high alert as militants continue to target security forces and civilians in an effort to provoke instability in the aftermath of significant political changes.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has issued a statement directing security forces to intensify their operations against terror outfits. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt peace in the region and assured that the security forces have the necessary authority and resources to eliminate militant activity. The Jammu and Kashmir Police continue to investigate possible links between the arrested terrorists and other militant cells operating within the region.

The grenade attack comes amidst a broader surge in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, marked by an uptick in violence following the formation of the new government. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, calling it part of a deliberate conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the peace process. He also pointed out that incidents like these indicate the persistent threat posed by militancy in the region, despite recent political shifts and security measures. The government has called for stringent action against all terror elements to ensure the safety and security of the local population.