Four militants were killed in retaliation to an armed attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Sumbal area of Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. It is being reported that these heavily armed militants were faced by the Indian forces in their attempt to infiltrate the camp of 45 Battalion CRPF at around 4:10 am. The militants tried to enter the camp at around 3:45 am by throwing grenades and opening fire at a sentry post. Their provocation was met with appropriate retaliatory firing, making the encounter last 45 minutes. All four militants were killed, putting their suicide mission to an end.
Here it is to be noted that the Sumbal camp is also the Headquarters of 45 Battalion CRPF. The Director General for CRPF R R Bhatnagar has applauded the officers and jawans for their bravery and quick thinking. He has stated that this encounter was a major suicide attack underway as it has been reported that four AK-47 rifles, one UBGL (Underbarrel Grenade Launcher) and some ammunition were recovered from the encounter site, showing the preparedness of the perpetrators, who apparently were aiming to cause maximum damage to the camp by setting it on fire. The encounter area, which is irrigation land, is sealed off with an ongoing search operation.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid broke the news this morning with the following tweets –
45 Bn @crpfindia / @JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind ??
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017
AKs and huge quantity of grenades recovered. I compliment the alertness of CRPF & J&K Policemen. pic.twitter.com/Uz6Zi6PpS4
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017
The valley since 2010 has been under turmoil with civilians, militants and army men dying everywhere. And the chance at peace seems elusive for now. It remains to be seen how India will follow up the much talked about surgical strikes to battle militancy in Kashmir.
