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Journalism of Courage
National Conference president Omar Abdullah today escaped unhurt when militants made a bid on his life in the North Kashmir village of Sapar, Nagahama. According to officials, two grenades exploded just when Abdullah had finished addressing a rally and retreated into the compound of a house alongwith his party workers.
Four security personnels 8212; three CRPF men and a special police officer of the J038;K Police 8212; and a 10-year-old boy were injured in the attack.
Abdullah said the attack was the handiwork of the 8220;forces within the state8221; who were bent on sabotaging the peace process.
However, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir range, S M Sahai, said the attack was not aimed at Abdullah8217;s rally. He said the explosions occurred some distance away.
The attack, which comes in the wake of a renewed surge in militant violence across the state, is the second attempt on Abdullah8217;s life. In October 2004, Abdullah had a narrow escape when militants set off a powerful IED explosion during the mourning prayers for slain NC leader Safdar Ali Beigh in South Kashmir.
So far, no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for today8217;s incident, which is likely to hamper the intensified political activity in the state. In the last few months, mainstream parties like National Conference, People8217;s Democratic Party and even the Congress have held scores of public meetings in the far corners of the state.
Incidentally, while addressing the public meeting at Sapar today, Abdullah acknowledged the rising violence and attributed it to the 8220;slowing down8221; of the peace process. 8220;Frustration is creeping back in the state as a result of the peace process failing to deliver anything concrete. India and Pakistan should note this,8221; Abdullah said.
But IG Sahai denied that the situation in the Valley was deteriorating. 8220;One attack cannot be indicative of rising militancy in the state,8221; he said.
