Police say attack on army camp kills 3 troopers in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR: At least three Indian army troopers and two militants were killed Thursday and two troopers wounded during an attack on a stationed camp in the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The attack took place in the Darhal area of Rajouri district, about 190 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Police said during the pre-dawn two heavily armed militants stormed the camp and resorted to heavy firing targeting inmates. The troopers guarding the camp tried to repulse the attack and retaliated by firing leading to a heavy exchange of fire, police said.

“Someone tried to cross the fence of army camp in Darhal area of Rajouri district early morning. The men on duty challenged them and an exchange of fire took place,” senior police officer Mukesh Singh told media.

Following the attack, government forces rushed reinforcements to the area to take on militants.

“Three Indian army troopers were killed and two others wounded in the attack,” a police officer said. “The two attackers were also neutralized.”

Police said the gunfight in the area has stopped but a search operation was still underway.

The attack came days ahead of India’s independence day celebration to be held on Aug. 15. The authorities have already heightened security measures in the region.

On Wednesday, police said government forces killed three militants during a fierce gunfight in Budgam district, adjacent to Srinagar.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

-Xinhua