Four militants were killed by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the police when they tried to attack an installation of the paramilitary force at Sumbal in Bandipora district on Monday morning.
"Four militants were killed in retaliatory fire by 45 Battalion of the CRPF and the police at Sumbal Bandipora as they attempted to carry out a suicide attack on the CRPF camp," said a Srinagar based police spokesman. "A search operation is under way," he added.
The exchange of gunfire started around 4 a.m. Militants opened fire on the camp from nearby open fields.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted out a statement later in the day. Here is the full text of his tweets:
"Early this morning a group of heavily armed Fidayeen terrorists approached the CRPF's Sumbal camp with the intent of breaching the camp. The terrorists were heavily armed with automatic rifles, grenades and incendiary material such as petrol, and were carrying dry rations. It indicated that the terrorists intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage. The terrorist group attempted entry by cutting the wire fencing and also forcing their entry by shooting at the sentry. The sentries responded with alacrity to their efforts and returned their fire. Heavy exchange of fire took place, during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades, in an attempt to escape. However the CRPF, in cooperation with force from the adjoining J&K police camp shot dead all the 4 terrorists. Massive recoveries of arms and ammunition including grenades, explosives and automatic weapons have been made from neutralised terrorists. It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night & maintaining tight vigil; and to see J&K police coming to CRPF assistance quickly. Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces. All the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp, need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery."