Sources said there was already an alert that terrorists may target security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore. (PTI photo)
Highlights
- Lashkar-e-Taiba claims terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pampore
- No intelligence failure, forces were alerted about terror strike: Sources
- Questions raised why the CRPF bus was moving without escort
A day after eight Central Reserve Police Force soldiers died and 22 others injured after
terrorists ambushed their bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore, questions are being raised over whether there were some lapses on part of the forces.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikkar said, "I think the standard operating procedure wasn't followed properly," adding that the situation will be clearer after an inquiry."
An inquiry has already been ordered into the incident. "I have asked the Home Secretary to send two-member committee to Pampore to report if there were any lapses, so we correct them and our soldiers don't have to lose their lives in future," said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and six hand grenades were recovered from the two terrorists.
Despite specific intelligence inputs about a possible attack in the area, the the bus carrying more than 40 soldiers was travelling without escorts, who could have retaliated immediately to the ambush.
Also, the road opening party, which sanitises the important highways in the state, failed to detect the attackers who were waiting in a car to ambush the bus.
Asked if an escort vehicle would have made a difference, Krishna Reddy, Special Director General of CRPF, said, "In no counterinsurgency situation you can go back and say you could have or that. Every situation is different and innovative".
The terrorists, he said, bring "innovation" which the forces try to neutralise. "99 per cent of the times we succeed, and 0.5 per cent times they succeed," he added.
An operation is on to look for two more terrorists. (PTI photo)
Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, carried out by at least two terrorists, who were carrying AK-47s and hand grenades. It was the worst attack over the last three years in the state. In August last year a terrorist was caught alive when he and another terrorist attacked a BSF bus in Udhampur.
As tributes were paid to the 8 fallen paramilitary personnel, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said, "They (terrorists) cannot achieve anything by such attacks..but these acts are only defaming Kashmir; also it's a set back to our religion because they do it under the garb of religion".
The attack was also the fourth on security forces in the state this month. The last three major strikes along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway have killed at least 17 security personnel and injured several others.
Officials say infiltration has dramatically gone up compared to the previous year with more than 50 terrorists crossing the border in the last five months. Last year, there was zero infiltration in the first four months.