Terror strikes Srinagar: 5 CRPF personnel injured, gun battle on

Two militants have been killed in the encounter but their bodies have not been retrieved yet, the official said.

Terrorists opened fire on security forces in Nowhatta area of Srinagar on Monday morning, which marks India’s 70th Independence Day.

The unspecified number of militants fired at the security forces in the area which is close to the historic Jama Masjid. Two holed-up militants were later killed in a six hour operation. Some jawans were injured. Bhat had sustained injury to his head.

Modi avoided direct reference to Kashmir in his Independence Day speech, but he did criticise people in Pakistan for celebrating when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil. The deployment was very heavy but they (the militants) succeeded”, inspector general, CRPF, Atul Karwal told HT, adding that the militants looked “non-local”.

Saluting the CRPF officer for his valour and supreme sacrifice, the Home Minister said Kumar served the nation till his last breath.

Police said the motive of the militants was to last for longer period to grab the media attention since it was after a long time that such attack occurred in the Srinagar city. “Two AK rifles and eight magazines with ammunition have been recovered from the encounter site”, the spokesman said.

The gunfight between militants and security forces is still on.

With her government facing criticism for the ongoing unrest in Kashmir in which 58 people have been killed in firing by the forces and over 5000 left injured, Mehbooba said the dialogue was the only way to resolve the issue. Two among the ten injured CRPF men were in a critical State at the Army’s Base Hospital.

Earlier, the main official function was held at Bakhshi stadium near Lal Chowk in Srinagar amid tight security.

Meanwhile the situation remained under control in most parts of Kashmir valley today, police said.