New Delhi:
Following is the full text of the statement issued by Home Minister P Chidambaram after the Srinagar encounter:
Based on intelligence inputs, the J&K police were on alert in Srinagar on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. While they were conducting frisk and search operations, two militants opened fire and then fled into a nearby building. In the initial burst of fire, one policeman was killed and 11 persons were injured. One of the civilians later succumbed to his injuries.
The alert J&K police, assisted by the CRPF, immediately swung into action. In a brilliant operation, executed with great skill and patience, they neutralized the two militants without suffering any casualties. They also evacuated nearly 600 civilians to safety. It is noteworthy that the J&K police and the CRPF conducted the operations without calling upon the NSG or the Special Forces of the Army.
The militants who were killed were in communication with their handlers outside India. The incident highlights the fact that the country, especially Jammu and Kashmir, remains vulnerable to militant attacks sponsored by forces from across the border. At the same time, our capacity to neutralize a militant attack has also increased considerably. I would emphasize once again that the country, especially the security forces, must maintain a high level of vigilance; but there is no cause for panic. We must remain calm and confident that our security forces can face any challenge.
I compliment the J&K police and the CRPF for the successful operation in Srinagar. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the two victims of the attack.