Three people died and 28 were injured when a powerful blast rocked a busy market in India's portion of Kashmir today.
Explosives were hidden inside a video cassette recorder, which apparently contained a timed device, and had allegedly been taken for repairs to an electronic shop in Rajauri town, 110 miles north-west of Jammu, the winter capital of Indian Kashmir, a police officer said.
The shop owner, his assistant and another person were killed instantly. Seven of the wounded were in critical condition, the officer said. Security officials cordoned off the area as they searched for the man who had taken the VCR to the shop.
No-one has claimed responsibility for the explosion. The Rajauri district, which has the same name as the town, has witnessed repeated attacks over the past 13 years by Islamic militants fighting for Kashmir's independence or merger with Pakistan.
India accuses its neighbour and rival of backing the militants. Pakistan says it only provides moral support, and denies giving them material aid.
AP