A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed and two others injured when separatist militants ambushed their vehicle at Nowgam in the outskirts of Srinagar city on Thursday morning. Two pro-Pakistan outfits Hizbul Mujahideen and Jamiatul Mujahideen have separately claimed responsibility for the attack that took place nine days after five CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack in Bemina quarter of the city.
Police said that militants carrying AK series assault rifles opened fire on a BSF vehicle at 7.30 am at Methan Bypass near Nowgam in the outskirts of Srinagar city. The vehicle was headed to the headquarters of Army’s XV Corps and had left north Kashmir’s Baramulla town in the wee hours.
Police said the three 8-battalion soldiers — Hem Raj, Krishan Kalita and Shakia Singh sustained injuries in the assault. They were immediately shifted to 192-Base Hospital where Krishan Kalita succumbed to his injuries. Sources said that Kalita was hit in his head and had died before reaching the hospital. Another soldier’s state is reported to be critical.
Police and CRPF immediately cordoned off the area to track down the attackers who escaped from the scene after carrying out the attack.
Pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen and Jamiatul Mujahideen outfits have separately claimed responsibility for the attack. Hizb spokesman Baliguddin told a local news agency that the outfit has set up a “commando force” to carry out attacks on security forces. Jamiatul Mujahideen claimed that its “At-tawheed squad” attacked the BSF vehicle.