A paramilitary trooper stands guard near the site of a gunfight in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 24, 2021. Police in Indian-controlled Kashmir said Wednesday evening they killed three militants in a gunfight that broke out in the Rambagh locality of Srinagar city. Photo: Xinhua

A civilian was killed and 23 others, including a policeman, were wounded Sunday in a grenade attack in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The grenade was hurled reportedly at government force personnel at Amira Kadal market in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Police said the grenade exploded with a bang on the road, wounding two dozen people, one of whom died later.

"A grenade attack took place in a busy market near Amira Kadal bridge. In this attack, 24 people, including a policeman, were wounded," a police official said in a statement. 

"An elderly man later succumbed to his wounds while a girl is in critical condition."

The condition of other wounded victims undergoing treatment at the hospital was stable.

The attack triggered panic in the market and people were seen running away from the spot for safety, eyewitnesses said.

Soon after the attack, police contingents rushed to the spot and launched a manhunt to nab the attackers.

"In light of the grenade throwing in busy Sunday market near Amira Kadal bridge today, all civilians are required to be vigilant and report any suspected activity," reads a statement issued by police on social media.

A guerrilla war has been going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989.

The militants often target government force personnel with grenade attacks or resort to shooting.

Xinhua