Srinagar , India, Asharq Al-Awsat- A suicide bomber targeted the new leader of Indian-administered Kashmir on Wednesday killing at least ten people, police said.

The blast occurred hours ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Ghulam Navi Azad.

Srinagar police chief Javed Maqdoomi told Asharq al Awsat that around 10 am local time, a green colored Maruti Alto car was stopped by police at Nowgam. The driver detonated the device, killing a woman and child bystanders, five policemen, and three unidentified civilians. Fifteen others were taken to hospital to receive treatment for their injuries.

“A car from Pampore was seen heading towards Nowgam. The car was stopped at a checkpoint. When challenged by policeman Nissar Khan, the driver detonated his bomb,” Maqdoomi said.

The powerful blast shook the entire area, damaging a number of nearby shops and shattering windows.

A spokesman for Jaish-e-Mohammad who identified himself Abu Kadam called the local news agency and alleged Mohd Mubasir, from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, drove the car packed with explosives.