Srinagar, June 2 Army on Thursday said that one among the three soldiers injured in a blast at Sedaw Shopian was “critical”.

“At approximately 0300 a.m., based on specific intelligence, an operation was launched from (Sedaw) COB to lay cordon and search in general area Patitohalan.

While moving to the target area, at approximately a km from (Sedaw), an explosion took place in the civil hired vehicle, being used by the team, resulting in injuries to three Indian Army soldiers,” army said in a statement . “The blast is very likely to be from either an IED or a grenade or a battery malfunctioning in the vehicle. Details are being ascertained.”

The injured personnel, the army said, were immediately shifted and given first aid at District Hospital, Shopian and thereafter evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar.

“One soldier is critical while two other injured are stable,” it said, adding, “Affected area has been cordoned and all likely escape routes have been sealed.” The army said search to nab the (militants) is in progress.”gns