Seven Army men, three cops killed in J&K terror attack; 3 militants gunned down

Mangalore Today News Network

Srinagar, Dec 5, 2014: At least seven Army personnel were killed when terrorists launched a massive pre-dawn attack on their camp near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

PTI quoted sources as saying that apart from the seven Army men, three policemen who had rushed to the attack site have also lost their lives.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) AG Mir said three of the six militants who attacked the camp have also been gunned down.

As per sources, the casualty figure could go up as the gunbattle continues between security forces and militants.

The entire area has, meanwhile, been cordoned off.

News agency ANI had reported that six terrorists were involved in the attack that took place at a camp of 31 Field Regiment at Mohara in Uri sector of the state’s Baramullah district.

Reports said the terrorists opened fire at the Army camp at around 3.10 am, in a bid to storm into the camp. They were then engaged by Army personnel leading to the gunfight.

Police officials said the militants had probably infiltrated into the Valley from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir recently. "It is being investigated," they said.

Reacting to the attack, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the Army has been intercepting terrorists and eliminating them. The minister added that three militants have been killed and the rest will be eliminated.

“My heart goes out to Army men who gave life in today’s encounter... it is possibly an outcome of the overwhelming voting in J&K,” Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO, said.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the attack in Uri shows “the desperate levels militants will go to to disrupt peace and normalcy”.

The attack came just four days ahead of elections in Uri and six other constituencies of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on December 9.

Also on December 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in Srinagar.

The state has witnessed a spurt in militant activity as well as infiltration bids in the wake of ongoing polls, especially with a record number of people turning out to vote in the first two phase of polls.

On December 2, Army foiled an infiltration bid in Handwara area of Kupwara district killing six militants while one Army personnel was also killed. The infiltration bid was foiled even as people in Kupwara district were voting to elect their representatives.

(With agency inputs)