Srinagar: Striking in a big way, pro-Pakistan militants today (May 23, 2004) attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) convoy triggering a landmine blast that set on fire a bus killing 28 personnel and injuring seven on Srinagar-Jammu highway.

The attack, which came a day after the Manmohan Singh Government assumed office at the Centre, took place at 10:20 hours (IST) at Woodsa, near the Jawahar tunnel, about 100 km from here.

BSF DIG K Srinivasan said 28 personnel were killed and seven injured when the bus after hitting the landmine caught fire and skidded off the road under a culvert.

However, he said most of the bodies were charred and the exact figure of dead and injured will be known later.

The bus with a capacity of carrying 35 persons, which was part of a convoy carrying the personnel to Jammu from here, was completely destroyed in the attack.

A BSF spokesman said the diesel tank of the bus exploded as the vehicle caught fire and most of the bodies were blown into pieces under the impact of the twin blasts.

The bodies were charred beyond recognition, he said.

Most of the jawans in the bus were going on leave or returning after election duty.

Sources said a civilian bus was also hit in the blast and was partially damaged.

Pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.