Pak-based militant group claims responsibility for attack on J and K minister

Srinagar, Dec.12 (ANI): The attack on Jammu and Kashmir Rural Development and Panchayats, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister took a fresh twist on Monday evening with the Pakistan-based Jamiatul Mujahideen claiming responsibility for Sunday's assault.

The Jamiatul Mujahideen said that the attack on Sagar was aimed at warning National Conference president and Union Minister for Non-Renewable Energy Sources Farooq Abdullah's advocacy for reopening liquor shops in the Kashmir Valley.

In a faxed statement, the outfit's spokesman Jamil Ahmad described Farooq Abdullah demand for the reopening of cinema halls and liquor shops as shameful and warned of more such attacks in future on the National Conference and other "pro-India" parties in Kashmir.

In Sunday night's incident, Sagar's bodyguard was killed, while three others, including a civilian, were injured.

The minister was attacked in the Nawab Bazaar area of old Srinagar where he had gone to attend a family function. (ANI)