Militants storm J-K institute; two CRPF jawans killed in encounter

According to a CRPF spokesperson, the suspected militants who were hiding at the J-K Entrepreneurship Development Institute had earlier attacked a CRPF convoy, injuring nine soldiers.

Two CRPF men and a civilian were killed and 11 security men injured on Saturday in south Kashmir’s Pampore when militants attacked a convoy before sneaking into a government-run training centre with more than 100 people inside.

Two CRPF jawans have been killed in the ongoing encounter at the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute. (Waseem Andrabi/ Hindustan Times)

A possible hostage situation was avoided after police and paramilitary quickly evacuated the building though some of those in the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute building said they were allowed to go by the two heavily-armed militants.

CRPF spokesperson Bhavesh Chaudhary said two soldiers were killed while seven others were injured when militants opened fire on the convoy.

“Four jawans were injured in the subsequent gun fire between militants and security forces,” he added. He said the militants barged into the building, located on the national highway, after attacking the convoy.

The CRPF spokesperson said security personnel stopped firing after civilians were spotted inside.

The attackers were “holed up” in the main building of the institute and surrounded by security forces, Pampore police superintendent Mohammad Irshad said, adding it was unclear how many attackers were inside.

Speaking to HT, Irshad Ahmad, one of the civilians inside the building, said the two militants asked the people to move out. He said the militants did not try to take hostages.

“There were around 100 students including females. The staff strength was also around 30,” he added.

(With agency inputs)