Srinagar: Hours before Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad takes over as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, a car bomb exploded near the private residence of outgoing Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Ten people died and 25 others were injured in the explosion at Nowgam Chowk, 15 kms from the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre where Azad was slated to take his oath.
Militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A caller identifying himself as a spokesman for Jaish-e-Mohammad, told a local news agency that Mohammad Mubashir a member of their militant organisation
was on a mission with the explosive laden car but had to blast it prematurely after he was intercepted by security forces.
Mubashir was a resident of Abbaspora village in Rawalakot area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the spokesperson said.
Security forces flagged down the driver of the car during a random search.
When the car did not stop, a constable tried to block the vehicles.
In the interim confusion, the driver blew up the vehicle.
Besides the driver of the vehicle, a policeman and three civilians, including a woman, were killed in the attack, senior Superintendent of Police Munir Khan said.
Security checks have been increased at all entry and exit points across the city in view of the swearing-in ceremony.
Militants with rifle grenades had attacked Sayeed?s private residence in 2002 when he took oath of office.
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