Srinagar:
An army jawan was killed and five others were injured today when a grenade accidentally exploded inside their camp in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.
The incident took place at the camp of 21 Rashtriya Rifles in Handwara, 80 kms from the state capital Srinagar, when the troops were preparing to leave for an anti-militant operation, the spokesman said.
He said a grenade, being carried by a soldier, exploded accidentally resulting in critical injuries to him and five other soldiers.
The injured jawans were rushed to nearby military hospital at Drugmulla where one of them - identified as Shyam Singh - was declared brought dead, while two others - Surender Kumar and Manmohan Singh -- were referred to 92 Base hospital in Srinagar for specialised treatment, the spokesman said.
Security forces have launched a massive search operation in Kupwara forests and had recovered a huge cache of arms and explosives from a militant hideout yesterday.
The operations are part of efforts by to ensure zero infiltration and smuggling of arms and explosives into the Valley from across the Line of Control, officials said.