By IANS,
Srinagar : Two paramilitary troopers and as many civilians were injured when militants opened fire with automatic weapons in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area Tuesday, police said.
Police sources said militants fired from a close range at a posse of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) guarding the main business hub in the city when it was bustling with a crowd of shoppers.
People in the area were seen running for the cover when they heard gunshots as tension gripped Lal Chowk and adjoining localities.
“They shot at CRPF men on guard in the Koker Bazaar and fired from point blank range before escaping into a by-lane,” a police officer told IANS.
“Two CRPF jawans and two civilians are injured. They have been taken to SMHS hospital,” the officer said.
The attack occurred when Lal Chowk, the main shopping centre of Srinagar, was bustling with people.
Police and paramilitary forces cordoned off the area and its many labyrinthine lanes for searches.
Traffic was also diverted from the area.