AK-47 rifles, grenades were recovered from CRPF camp at Sumbal in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora.
Four terrorists were killed today by security forces as they attempted to attack a CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The heavily armed militants tried to enter the camp of 45th battalion of CRPF around 3.45 am. They threw grenades and opened fire at the sentry post, a police official said. The encounter lasted for 45 minutes.
"All four of them were killed in the retaliatory firing and the suicide attack was foiled," the police official said.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh lauded CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police personnel "for their alertness and unmatched courage". "All the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp, need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery. Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces," the home ministry tweeted. Mr Singh also revealed that "the terrorists intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage".
CRPF Director General RR Bhatnagar, too, praised the soldiers for their quick thinking and prompt action. He said, "I congratulate CRPF officers and jawans for their bravery, outstanding work and this big victory. They not only killed the terrorists but also ensured that no harm was done to the camp or the jawans."
He added that the terrorists aimed to launch a major suicide attack and to cause the maximum damage by setting the camp on fire, but they were shot at before they could enter the camp. "They were prepared for a long-drawn battle," Mr Bhatnagar said.
Four AK-47 rifles, one UBGL (Underbarrel Grenade Launcher) and some ammunition were recovered from the encounter site. The area has been sealed off. A search operation is also underway.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid had broken the news in the morning with a tweet, "45 Bn @crpfindia/@JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind."
The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarter of 45th battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta who survived nine bullet injuries while fighting terrorists in Bandipora district last year.
Peace eludes the Valley as there seems to be no let up in terror activities and continuing ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control.
Two soldiers were killed and four others injured on Saturday when terrorists attacked an Army convoy near south Kashmir's Lower Munda toll post in Qazigund area of Kulgam district, 100 km from Srinagar. However, the attackers managed to flee.
The attack took place on the same day when Home Minister Rajnath Singh claimed a drastic fall in infiltration in the Valley. "Infiltration has reduced by 45 per cent post-surgical strikes in the last six months," Mr Singh had said.