Blast Injures Dozens in Kashmir Market

By Anjana Pasricha
New Delhi
05 April 2004

In Indian Kashmir, about 60 people were injured in a blast suspected to be set off by Muslim militants.

Officials say Muslim rebels hurled a hand grenade at a passing security force patrol. It missed its target and exploded near a busy market in Pulwama town, about 30 kilometers south of Kashmir's summer capital, Srinagar.

Dozens of people, mostly civilians, were injured in the explosion. Women and children were among the victims.

It was the latest attack blamed on Muslim separatists in a region where more than 40,000 people have died in a 14-year revolt aimed at wresting Kashmir from Indian control.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, and in the past India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the Muslim insurgents.

Violence in the region has declined since the two countries agreed to hold peace talks earlier this year.

But some separatists have vowed to continue with their struggle. India accuses them of trying to disrupt improving relations between the two countries.