Militant reportedly escapes in Srinagar siege

Militant reportedly escapes in Srinagar siege

Sunday, January 16, 2005 (Srinagar):

One of the two militants, who attacked an indoor stadium in Srinagar on Saturday, is believed to have escaped from the building this morning.

The militants, allegedly belonging to the Al Manusrian group, had attacked the regional passport office inside the stadium on Saturday.

Militants and security forces exchanged gunfire through last evening, leaving one CRPF jawan and a police inspector injured.

Employees rescued

Stadium employees had initially been trapped inside the building, but were later rescued by the security forces.

The indoor stadium is situated close to the Bakshi Stadium, where Republic Day celebrations are scheduled to be held.

The attack also comes just two weeks before the state holds civic elections for the first time in 27 years.

from ndtv.com