Date:23/09/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/09/23/stories/2003092305431200.htm

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

Rajouri, centre of frequent militant attacks

By Our Staff Reporter

Jammu Sept. 22. Bansi Lal of Dandwal village in Rajouri is too shocked to speak even 24 hours after the powerful blast which claimed the lives of both his sons, Koushal Kumar and Vinod Kumar.

An Improvised Explosive Device packed in a VCR and placed on the staircase of the shoe shop they were working exploded resulting in their death.

Parveen Gupta, the shop-owner, is battling for survival and doctors described his condition as "critical". Splinter injuries may cost Vijay Gupta, another shopkeeper, an eye. Another injured has been shifted to Chandigarh for treatment in view of his worsening condition.

Militants have struck often in Rajouri townand there is palpable anger among its residents. The attack yesterday was the fifth in the same market area in the last one year.