Wednesday, July 20 2005 18:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Three army men including a Major were among five persons killed when militants today ( July 20, 2005) exploded a car-bomb targeting a military convoy near a missionary school on the high security Church road in the heart of the city.

The explosion that took place around 9 am, damaged eight vehicles and rattled the Burnhall school and nearby buildings. No harm was done to the students, as there is a huge playground between the boundary wall and classrooms.

Police is investigating if a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden Maruti car into an army jeep. Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility but did not say that it was a suicide attack.

At least 17 persons, including four army soldiers, were injured in the explosion, police said.

It was a gory site with badly mutilated bodies lying in pool of blood, injured crying for help. Mangled pieces of damaged vehicles and shattered windowpanes were strewn around.

The Maruti car used in the attack was blown to pieces and the police could retrieve only the engine of the vehicle.

Chief Minister, Mufti Mohmd Sayeed said, such incidents would not deter the people from pursuing the peace process and perpetrators of violence would not achieve anything by indulging in such acts.