J&K encounter: Militants attack CRPF convoy in Pampore, kill three jawans, civilian

Militants opened firing on a CRPF bus in Pampore town of Pulwama district, near the EDI complex, which was retaliated by the security forces, police said.

Srinagar: At least three CRPF jawans and a civilian were killed and 10 others injured when militants opened fire on a vehicle carrying security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore area on Saturday.

The security forces have cordoned off the area and a counter operation is on to flush out the militants. The army was called in to help the jawans.

One civilian was killed in the ensuing gunfight between the militants and the security forces. About a dozen people, including CRPF jawans, who were injured in the attack, were shifted to a hospital.

The gunfight erupted when the militants attacked a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and then fled to a training institute located nearby.

According to witnesses, about three to five militants fled to the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute situated close to the highway.

The civilian victim, identified as Abdul Ghani Mir, worked as a gardener at the institute.

"Eleven CRPF troopers travelling in the bus were injured in the attack. Three of the troopers identified as GD Bhola Prasad, RK Raina and one more succumbed to their injuries,” a senior police officer said.

The militants entered the multi-storey Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute building situated close to the highway when more than 150 trainees and staff members were present inside, the official said.

"Security forces surrounded the building and focused on safe evacuation of the civilians while engaging the holed-up militants in sustained exchange of gunfire. So far, 150 trainees and staff members have been safely evacuated.

"After we make sure there are no civilians inside the complex, the final assault against the holed-up militants will be launched," the official told IANS.

(With agency inputs)