Pampore terror attack: Gun battle rages on

Despite heavy rocket shelling and intense gunfire from the security forces, the terrorists continue to hold fort inside the building.

Representational image

Srinagar: The gun battle resumed at dawn between security forces and terrorists who are holding up inside a government complex near here even as the siege continued for over 24 hours.

After a brief lull during the night, the firing started again around 6 am on Tuesday, the Times Now reported.

It said at least two terrorists are still holding fort inside the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Institute (JKEDI) and retaliating at the security forces with assault rifles and grenade launchers.

The militants' target was the 49 Rashtriya Rifles camp of the Indian Army but when their attempt was foiled they took shelter in the seven-storey government building in Pampore on the banks of the Jhelum river, some 12 km from Srinagar.

Security forces have surrounded the complex from all sides to prevent the militants from escaping. The building was lit up during the night so that the guerrillas do not flee under the cover of darkness.

"All escape routes have been sealed," a senior police officer had said last night.

But despite heavy rocket shelling and intense gunfire by the security forces, the terrorists are still reportedly alive.

The guerrillas are heavily armed but using their ammunition sparingly. They are also changing their positions constantly to avoid getting killed, a police officer said.