Srinagar: At least 14 security force personnel and three civilians were injured today (Feb 15, 2004) when militants triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Qazigund on the national highway in South Kashmir Anantnag district, an official spokesman said.

The IED was planted in a hand-cart and exploded at around 15:30 hours (IST) as an Army convoy reached the market area in Qazigund, 80 km from here, on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, he said, adding that 14 security force personnel and three civilians sustained injuries and the vehicle carrying the jawans was also damaged.

The civilian vehicle was part of the convoy which was on its way to Srinagar from Jammu, the spokesman said without stating whether the civilians injured were in the bus or pedestrians.

The injured jawans have been shifted to the military hospital for treatment, a Defence spokesman said.

He said the area has been cordoned off and a manhunt launched to nab the militants.

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the blast so far but officials suspect the hand of Hizbul Mujahideen which has carried out several similar attacks on security forces recently in Parimpora and Lawaypora in the outskirts of Srinagar.