Jammu: Former J&K Home Minister and National Conference (NC) candidate from Udhampur Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy had a narrow escape when militants hurled a grenade and opened fire at his rally today (Apr 28, 2004) killing two persons and injuring 52 others in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ultras, who had positioned themselves on a mountain, hurled a grenade on the NC rally in village Bagwa, 15 kms from the Doda town at around 13:10 hours, official sources told reporters in Jammu.

The grenade exploded just 50 meters away from where Suharwardy was delivering a speech, they said, adding that two persons were killed on the spot while Suharwardy escaped unhurt.

The grenade attack was followed by firing from militants even as security personnel whisked away the NC candidate to a safer place.

Security personnel retaliated and the firing exchange continued for a brief period, they said, adding 52 persons were also injured in the attack.

The eight seriously injured were airlifted to Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu. Others injured in the attack have been hospitalised in Doda district hospital, the sources said.

Senior officials rushed to the spot while cordon and search operation has been launched to track down the militants responsible for the act, they said.

This is second attack on a political rally during campaigning in Jammu division, particularly in Udhampur LS constituency.