Mehbooba hits out at Pakistan after militant attack on security forces

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday hit out at Pakistan after a militant attack on a convoy of security forces claimed three lives and injured many.

Three Border Security Force (BSF) jawans were killed and seven others injured when their convoy attacked by terrorists in Bijbehara in Anantnag District.

The terrorists, who were travelling in car, were stopped at a check-post, and as the BSF convoy passed the check-post, terrorists opened fire resulting in the causalities.

In retaliation, BSF personnel shot at them leading to heavy exchange of gunfire between the two sides lasting over 15 minutes. Security forces have cordoned off the area and a massive operation is underway to nab the militants.

"A BSF convoy was attacked. Many soldiers were injured and two of them died on the way to a hospital. I regret this incident," Mufti said.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital and treatment is ongoing.

Mufti said such violent incidents hamper peace efforts between India and its neighbour.

"If we create a conducive atmosphere, only then will the two countries be able to talk. If incidents like this and Pathankot happen then Pakistan should also think about it. They (Pakistan) are fighting this menace in their country. They say they have affection for the people of Kashmir, but what sort of affection is this?" she added.

Both India and Pakistan claim the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir in full but rule in part.

Militant violence remains a problem in Kashmir although levels of violence are down from the levels of the 1990s, when an armed revolt against Indian rule erupted.