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Minister survives bid on life

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR SEPT. 15. Militants today hurled grenades and opened fire on the vehicle of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister, Sakina Ittoo, in the Noorabad Assembly segment, the second such attack in four days. She, however, survived the attempt. Two of her bodyguards were killed and one was injured. The attack comes amid claims by the State Government and the Election Commission that adequate security has been provided to all candidates.

Police sources said Ms. Ittoo, seeking re-election from Noorabad in Anantnag district, which goes to the polls in the third phase, was on her way to Danew-Kandinar to address a rally. The militants attacked her convoy near Bahunar, about 90 km from here. They hurled grenades and opened indiscriminate fire, which hit an escort vehicle of the Central Reserve Police Force. Gyan Singh, a Sub-Inspector, and a constable died on the spot. Ms. Ittoo's bullet-proof vehicle was also hit but she escaped unhurt. Though her guards retaliated, the militants escaped.

Militants had attacked Ms. Ittoo's Noorabad residence on Wednesday but she was not at home. The attack has disturbed the authorities, who have made all the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the elections in the 23 Assembly segments which go to the polls in the five districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Rajouri, Poonch and Kargil tomorrow. The Chief Electoral Officer, Pramod Jain, however, said "this will not unnerve or deter us from furthering the cause of democracy.'' Asked if the attacks would affect the voter turnout he said "it does require some courage and I hope with the security arrangements we have made, things will be better.''

An estimated 1.5 million voters are expected to exercise their franchise.

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