SRINAGAR, 16 August 2005 — Two powerful explosion yesterday ripped through the heavy security armor that had been laid around the main venue of the official functions connected with the Independence Day.
Even though the Bakshi Stadium where Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed presided over an impressive parade had been declared out of bounds for all civilians three days ahead of the parade, militants carried out the explosions in an adjacent park and the splinters from the explosion hit the entrance of the stadium.
The Pakistan-based Hezbul Mujahedeen group claimed responsibility for the blasts, and India’s leader criticized Pakistan’s “halfhearted efforts” to curb the rebels.
Three paramilitary soldiers were slightly hurt in the explosions.
