JAMMU, Jan 17 (2002): A bomb exploded Thursday in the main grain market of the winter capital of Indian Kashmir, Jammu, killing two civilians and injuring eight more.
Police officials said one person died on the way to hospital, while eyewitnesses reported two deaths. Three of the wounded were described as being in a critical condition.
The blast was triggered about 7:10 pm (1340 GMT) — barely one hour after US Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived in New Delhi to try and push India and Pakistan towards a dialogue on their Kashmir dispute and ease military tensions on their border.
Police said the explosive device had been planted in a drain outside a shop, which was badly damaged in the blast.
The explosion triggered panic in the market, where all traders swiftly closed down their shops and stalls.
India accuses Pakistan of arming and sheltering Muslim extremist groups carrying out “terrorist” activities in Kashmir.
Although there was no immediate claim of responsibility, the Indian government is sure to seize on the incident as further proof that Pakistan has yet to make good on its pledge to crack down on militant groups.
India and Pakistan have massed an estimated 800,000 troops on their border in the wake of the December 13 attack on the Indian parliament, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militant groups.
