Multiple explosions heard in Srinagar, Pak drones intercepted

SRINAGAR — Srinagar was rocked by massive explosions on Saturday, just hours after similar blasts shook Jammu and Kashmir summer capital earlier in the day, officials said.

Explosions were reported near vital installations in Srinagar and several other parts of Kashmir, triggering alarm and widespread concern.

The first blasts in Srinagar were heard in the early morning, followed by more explosions around noon, creating panic across the city as sirens blared and security forces were put on high alert.

Officials said an unknown projectile-like object crashed into Srinagar’s Dal Lake, triggering a loud explosion. Security forces recovered the debris of the projectile.

In a press briefing in New Delhi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said targeting civilian infrastructure was a deplorable and cowardly act. Pakistan attacked the medicare centre and school premises at the air bases of Srinagar, Awantipora and Udhampur, yet again displaying irresponsible targeting of civilian infrastructure.

The briefing was also addressed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

The explosion in Srinagar came after Pakistan launched multiple drone attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night and Saturday morning, with India’s air defence system intercepting them.

On Friday evening, drones were sighted at 26 locations ranging from Baramulla in the North to Bhuj in Gujarat, along both the International Border and the Line of Control with Pakistan, which were intercepted.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the drones were intercepted in Baramulla, Srinagar, Awantipora, Nagrota and Jammu.

This is the first time that drones have entered Kashmir’s airspace.