The explosion in Srinagar, caused by a car bomb, this afternoon is an act of terror planned and executed at the behest of Pakistan. This is yet another example of Islamabad’s sustained campaign of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India.

As in the past, and more recently on August 1 and 2, innocent people have lost their lives in today’s explosion. I convey my heartfelt condolence to the family of the security personnel and the young photo-journalist of The Hindustan Times who were killed this afternoon.

The State Government has been asked to provide adequate medical assistance to those injured, including photo-journalists.

We condemn such dastardly assaults on innocent civilians by those who refuse to tread the path of peace and have consciously chosen terror as a weapon. We will continue our battle against terrorism till such time this evil is destroyed root and branch.