Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, including an officer, were killed and a civilian was among two people injured when militants attacked a CRPF vehicle at Achabal in south Kashmir, seven kilometres from Anantnag town.

Militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba has claimed responsibility.

Soon after the attack, the army and police launched a search operation in the area. However, the militants managed to escape.

Security in south Kashmir was beefed up following a strike call by separatist leadership on July 13 to celebrate it as Martyrs’ Day.

Officials said that militants opened fire on the CRPF personnel of 96 battalion who were on Road Opening Party (ROP) duty.

In the attack, three CRPF personnel were seriously injured, two of whom succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. One of the deceased was identified as assistant sub-inspector ML Meena.

The condition of the injured civilian is said to be stable.

A police spokesman confirmed the killing of two CRPF personnel. “Around 11am, vehicleborne militants opened fire on the deployment at Achabal, injuring three personnel, two of whom later died. One civilian was also injured,’’ he said, adding a case has been registered.

A senior police officer said they have obtained details about the militants. “We have some clues and the militants will be arrested soon.’’

A local shopkeeper said, “It was a swift attack with the militants fleeing soon after. Though the police and the army had cordoned off the area while searching the vehicles, they couldn’t trace the militants.”

Courtesy: Hindustan Times: 14072018