Srinagar: At least 30 people, including three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, were injured when militants exploded a powerful grenade in a crowded market in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir this afternoon (Apr 5, 2004).

Militants hurled the explosive at a BSF vehicle around 13:00 hrs (IST) at Shaheedi Chowk, but it missed the target and exploded on the road injuring 30 people, nine seriously, official sources said.

The injured were admitted to sub-district hospital and the seriously injured referred to Srinagar for specialised treatment, they said.

The explosion triggered panic as a large number of people were present in the market.

Security forces have sealed the area and launched a hunt for the militants.