Islamabad, Dec 27: At least 10 people died and scores of others were injured in a suicide attack at Muzaffarabad on Sunday. Army has been called out to control the situation in the AJK capital, officials said.   Initial reports said a suspected suicide bomber, reportedly heading towards Pir Alam Shah Bukhari Imam Bargah, blew himself up when policemen deputed in the high security area tried to stop him.
 Talking to a private TV channel, the deputy commissioner, Muzaffarabad, confirmed that eight people had died and dozens others were injured in the incident.
 Terming it as a suicide attack, officials said the bomber in the guise of mourner wanted to get into the Majlis that was underway in the Imam Bargah. Saying that the bomber detonated the explosive devices tied up on his body when the security personnel stopped him. “Keeping in view the intensity of the blast, the toll is expected to rise further”, they added.
 One witness said he had seen body parts on the street believed to be those of the suicide bomber.
 The injured have been rushed to the nearby Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad. Following the incident the area was cordoned off and the security was beefed up in the city while forces have launched massive search operation in the area.

PRESIDENT, PM CONDEMN BLAST
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the suicide attack in Muzaffarabad on Sunday, which caused loss of precious lives and injuries.
 In separate messages, Zardari and Gilani expressed their resolve not to be deterred by such acts of cowardice and to take all measures to eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country.
 The two leaders expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of life and directed the local authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 IST