CRPF intel input alerted personnel a week ago about attack on Srinagar’s Sunday market

The CRPF had asked all troops to refrain from visiting certain locations as terrorists had plans to attack personnel

A specific intelligence input generated and shared by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) regarding attacks in Sunday markets and other key areas in Srinagar had alerted security forces and proved correct on November 3 when an unsuccessful grenade attack was carried out by terrorists, injuring 12 civilians.

The CRPF had asked all troops to refrain from visiting certain locations as terrorists had plans to attack personnel.

According to a top security official, an alert was raised by the CRPF on October 26, asking all personnel to remain vigilant as terrorists might target them in Srinagar. The advisory instructed all personnel to stop casual movements and activities immediately due to the threat.

Sources have said that the input also detailed locations that may be targeted by terrorists, including the Sunday Market, Dal Lake, Lal Chowk, and various parks in Srinagar.

Sunday’s attack occurred near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar, where shoppers had gathered for the Sunday market.

“All units were instructed to cease casual movements and activities after receiving input from reliable sources indicating that terrorists might attack unarmed security personnel. Personnel were told to stop strolling along Dal Lake Road, cycling outside the camp, and shopping at the Sunday market, Lal Chowk, and other local markets. Movements were restricted, and personnel were advised against visiting parks and tourist sites, including Shankaracharya Temple and Zeshta Mata Temple. Travel by civil vehicles from Srinagar to Jammu and vice versa during leave, as well as taxi or civil vehicle travel from the airport to units or offices, was also halted," a senior official familiar with the developments told News18 on the condition of anonymity.

After almost a week, CRPF personnel were targeted, but the intended target was missed, resulting in injuries to civilians. Officials stated that troops have been instructed to remain alert and to address any threats firmly. A strategy has been developed to eliminate terrorists immediately in the event of an attack on personnel.

According to the Srinagar Police, a case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Substances Act.

“Today at about 14:10 hours, terrorists lobbed a hand grenade at a security force deployment near the crowded Sunday Market in Srinagar. The grenade exploded within the crowd, injuring 12 civilians, one of whom, a woman, sustained serious injuries. Police have taken cognizance of this terror act and are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Case FIR No. 66/2024 has been registered under sections of the UAPA, along with sections 109, 115(2) of the BNS, and 3/4 of the Explosives Substances Act, at the Kothibagh Police Station, and the investigation is underway," the Srinagar Police tweeted on Sunday.

The injured have been identified as Misba (about 17 years old), Azaan Kaloo (about 17 years old), Habibullah Rather (about 50 years old), Altaf Ahmad Seer (about 21 years old), Faizal Ahmad (about 16 years old), Uer Farooq, Faizan Mushtaq (about 20 years old), Zahid (about 19 years old), Gulam Muhammad Sofi (about 55 years old), and Sumaiya Jan (about 45 years old).

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “deeply disturbing" and stated that those responsible for public security “must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks".

He added, “The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks and encounters in parts of the valley. Today’s news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spate of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without fear," Abdullah posted on X.