BSF convoy attacked in J&K, 3 jawans martyred, 7 hurt; Hizbul claims responsibility​, CM Mufti hits out at Pak

Pic courtesy: ANI

Anantnag: Three jawans of Border Security Force (BSF) were martyred and seven others were injured when their convoy was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bijbehara here on Friday.

ANI quoted police sources as saying: “Security forces convoy fired upon by terrorists in J&K's Bijbehara (Anantnag)”

The cops further informed that three civilians were also injured in today's attack considered to be as a guerrilla attack on the security forces.

Following the attack, heavy exchange of fire was underway in the town situated on the 300-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway No.1A, according to eyewitness. 

The injured BSF troopers have been shifted to a Srinagar hospital, the police sources added.

The attackers were holed up inside the government sub-district hospital building.

The eyewitness said security forces immediately cordoned off the area after the attack which sparked panic in the area. Traffic on the busy national highway was also suspended.

Additional forces have been rushed to the area which has been cordoned off by CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles. The security forces had to face tough time during their search operations when some of the people hurled stones at them.

Hizbul Mujahideen group has sent emails to some of the local news agency claiming responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti hit out at Pakistan and said, "Pakistan says it loves Kashmir.What sort of love is this? Attacks on our jawans? Citizens also get caught in crossfire."

In New Delhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish and pain at the incident and asked BSF Director General KK Sharma to rush to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident and said it was an indication of worsening law and order situation in the state.

The BSF convoy comprising 23 vehicles was coming from Jammu to Srinagar ferrying jawans who were returning to join their duties after their leave.

The attack comes 10 days after the Hizbul Mujahideen had killed three policemen in two separate incidents in Srinagar city. They had threatened to carry out similar attacks.

BSF convoys have often been the target of terrorist groups. Last year in August, a BSF convoy was attacked by Lashker-e-Toiba terrorists at Udhampur in which two of its personnel and a terrorist were killed.

Another terrorist Mohammed Naveed was captured alive after the terror strike. 

Meanwhile, ANI posted a video relating to the incident - Watch it here:

2 BSF jawans succumb to injuries in attack on security forces convoy by terrorists in J&K's Bijbehara (Anantnag).https://t.co/CmSkT5EXMz

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 3, 2016