J-K: Former PDP Worker Shot At By Terrorists In Anantnag’s Kokernag, Police Rush To Spot

A civilian was shot at by terrorists in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Saturday night, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said. The injured has been shifted to a hospital. Sajad Hussain Mantoo was shot at by the terrorists at his residence. Mantoo received bullet injuries in his abdomen and thigh and was rushed to the district hospital, the police said, adding that his condition is stated to be stable.

The reason behind the attack is not known yet, a police official said. Mantoo was formerly associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the police said. 

The police have cordoned off the area and are investigating the matter. Earlier in the day, terrorists carried out a grenade attack outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Anantnag township of south Kashmir, leaving at least 14 people injured, even as restrictions imposed in the Valley in view of Friday congregations were lifted.

Normal life in Kashmir remained affected following the Centre's August 5 move to abrogate Article 370, that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, as markets and other business establishments remained closed while most of the public transport was off the roads across the Valley, officials said.

However, government offices were open and attendance in most offices was near normal, they said.

A large number of private vehicles and some private taxis, including autorickshaws, could be seen plying in many parts of the city while some roadside vendors were also visible, the officials said.

Terrorists carried out a second grenade attack in the Valley since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. They targeted a security patrol outside the heavily guarded DC office complex in Anantnag town, 55 km from here, around 11 am, an official said.

He said the grenade missed the intended target and exploded on the roadside, causing splinter injuries to 14 persons, including a traffic policeman and a local journalist. All the injured were admitted to a hospital and 13 of them were discharged after treatment. One person was still in hospital but he was stated to be out of danger.

The blast sparked panic among people in the town.

Authorities have been imposing restrictions on Friday in some parts of the Valley in view of apprehensions of violent protests. The curbs were lifted Saturday morning, the officials said.

(With PTI inputs)