Sources said there was already an alert that terrorists may target security forces in Jammu and Kashmir'sPampore. (PTI photo)
PAMPORE:
Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, the worst terrorist strike in the state in three years, that left eight soldiers dead and 22 injured.
Questions are now being raised about possible security lapses preceding the strike. Sources have said there was no intelligence failure and the attack took place despite inputs about possible terror attacks at Pampore along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. Pampore, in the Pulwama district, is around 15 km from Srinagar, and a high was alert sounded for troops on Saturday.
Among questions being raised now are why the bus carrying more than 40 troops was moving without any escort who could have retaliated immediately to the ambush by two terrorists, who were carrying AK-47s and hand grenades.
Two other men, said to have driven the terrorists to the attack site, escaped before the firing begun, sources said and an operation to find them is still on.
Also, the Road Opening Party, which sanitises the important highways in the state, failed to detect the attackers who were waiting in a car to carry out the attack.
"The attackers had 11 magazines and 147 rounds of AK-47 ammunition which shows that they were extremely well prepared," Durga Prasad, Director General of the CRPF said. The attackers had tried to get onto the bus but were shot dead before they could succeed, he added.
Condemning the attack, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Deeply anguished to learn of the death of CRPF personnel in an ambush at Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir today."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too said in a tweet, "I salute the courage of the CRPF personnel martyred today in J&K. They served the nation with utmost dedication. Pained by their demise."
Saturday's attack was the fourth one on security forces in the state this month. At least 17 security personnel were killed and several others injured in the last three major strikes along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway during the period.
Officials say infiltration has dramatically gone up compared to the previous year with more than 50 terrorists crossing the border in the last five months. Last year, there was zero infiltration in the first four months.
Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, the worst terrorist strike in the state in three years, that left eight soldiers dead and 22 injured.
Questions are now being raised about possible security lapses preceding the strike. Sources have said there was no intelligence failure and the attack took place despite inputs about possible terror attacks at Pampore along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. Pampore, in the Pulwama district, is around 15 km from Srinagar, and a high was alert sounded for troops on Saturday.
Two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and six hand grenades were recovered from the two terrorists.
Also, the Road Opening Party, which sanitises the important highways in the state, failed to detect the attackers who were waiting in a car to carry out the attack.
"The attackers had 11 magazines and 147 rounds of AK-47 ammunition which shows that they were extremely well prepared," Durga Prasad, Director General of the CRPF said. The attackers had tried to get onto the bus but were shot dead before they could succeed, he added.
An operation is on to look for two more terrorists. (PTI photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too said in a tweet, "I salute the courage of the CRPF personnel martyred today in J&K. They served the nation with utmost dedication. Pained by their demise."
Saturday's attack was the fourth one on security forces in the state this month. At least 17 security personnel were killed and several others injured in the last three major strikes along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway during the period.
Officials say infiltration has dramatically gone up compared to the previous year with more than 50 terrorists crossing the border in the last five months. Last year, there was zero infiltration in the first four months.
No comments:
Post a Comment