Four foreign terrorists die in attack on Kashmir CRPF camp (Third Lead)

All four foreign terrorists who attacked a CRPF camp in Jammu and Kashmir early on Monday were shot dead by the troopers and police after an hour-long battle, authorities said.

The terrorists hurled grenades and used heavy automatic gunfire in a bid to enter the camp in Sumbal town in Bandipora district in the Kashmir Valley around 4.35 a.m. but could not breach its outer security. Sumbal town is 34 km north of Srinagar.

CRPF Inspector General Ravideep Sahi told reporters that alert Central Reserve Police Force personnel, joined by Jammu and Kashmir Police, fought off the terrorists, killing all four.

"The four terrorists were foreigners although their exact identity is being established," he said. Sethi said the gunfight lasted nearly an hour and the attackers were killed 10-15 yards away from the camp's fence.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesman said four AK rifles, an under-barrel grenade launcher and some ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

CRPF Director General R.R. Bhatnagar said the terrorists were carrying incendiary products and had planned to do massive damage inside the camp.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police S.P. Vaid commended the alertness of the CRPF and his own men.

"The fidayeen kept firing as they tried to enter the camp. The attack was effectively repulsed by the CRPF sentry and Sumbal police," CRPF Deputy Inspector General M. Dinakaran told IANS.

The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarters of the CRPF 45th Battalion, which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta who survived despite taking nine bullets while fighting separatists in Bandipora in 2016.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh too praised the security forces.

The Minister said heavy exchange of fire took place during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades in an attempt to escape.

"The CRPF, in cooperation with the adjoining police camp, shot dead all the four terrorists.

The CRPF jawans and Jammu and Kashmir Police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists' attempt and in eliminating them.

"It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil and to see the Jammu and Kashmir Police coming to the CRPF's assistance quickly. Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces."

--IANS

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