Tragedy in Kashmir

The largest car bomb to hit Kashmir since late 2001 has killed fourteen people and wounded one hundred. (source article)

The powerful car bomb took place outside a high school, a post office, and near two police camps in the busy southern town of Pulwama, 18 miles south of Kashmir, according to police. Police did not immediately say who they believe was the target. The army blames the blast on Islamic rebels.

Six people were killed at the scene, another eight died at or on their way to the hospital. Police fired tear gas followed by live rounds in the air to disperse angry crowds who blamed the government for the attack. Crowds were also protesting what they said were police delays in getting the injured to the hospital.

None of the one dozen active rebel groups in the region claimed responsibility for the attack. One militant alliance, the United Jihad Council, claimed that it was a "clear act by Indian agencies to create a wedge between mujahedin and the general masses." Indian officials say the allegation is baseless.

Tens of thousands of people have died since an Islamic revolt against Indian rule began in Kashmir in 1989.