Dal attack: Cops now probe 145;vested interest146; angle

8220;It is a militant attack, but we have to see at whose behest it was carried out,8221; said Inspector-General Kashmir Range S M Sahai. 8220;We are investigating all possible dimensions.8221;

He said he was aware of the possibility of a 8220;larger conspiracy8221;, but didn8217;t want to give out details, fearing that it would hamper investigation.

The two men arrested are from Konikhan, Dalgate. Five labourers picked up but released after questioning were from Himachal Pradesh.

Sources said the investigation had shifted completely from the militant angle. The angles being probed now are: suspected links between local militant groups with a mainstream party; and suspected business rivalry between tourist operators, with one group trying to disrupt the boom in Kashmir as it is taking away business from other states like Himachal Pradesh.

A major lead that police have is a video clip shot by a tourist of one of the grenade throwers. A police CCTV camera has caught the back of an attacker.

8220;We are unable to understand who is behind these attacks,8221; says Kashmir Houseboats Association president Azim Toman. 8220;The militants have condemned it. It seems there are some vested interests, wanting to ruin Kashmir8217;s economy.8221;

Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq cast doubts over the attacks while addressing the Friday congregation.

He said the attacks are aimed at maligning Kashmiris.

And the Hizbul Mujahideen had stated: 8220;Tourists are our brothers. We have already banned grenade explosions in crowded places. The attack on tourists was carried out by agencies that want to malign us.8221;

The spokesman was referring to the United Jehad Council8217;s ban.

Al Mansoorian spokesman Abu Aqeel said the attack was aimed at terrorising tourists and was a conspiracy to malign the 8216;8216;freedom struggle.8221; 8220;We condemn this blast and offer our condolences to the bereaved families,8221; the spokesman had said.