A CRPF officer and two militants were killed while nine others were injured when ultras attacked security forces at Nowhatta in downtown Srinagar today.
An unspecified number of militants fired at the security forces in the area which is close to the historic Jama Masjid, triggering an encounter.
Ten security personnel were injured in the militant attack, a police official said, adding, a CRPF commanding officer injured in the attack later succumbed to injuries.
Two militants were killed in the exchange of fire between the two sides.
The attack came as the country is celebrating the 70th Independence Day.
Rajnath salutes CRPF officer’s valour
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday voiced deep pain over the death of a CRPF commanding officer in the attack by militants in Jammu and Kashmir and ordered shifting of the injured to Delhi by air ambulance for treatment.
“CRPF commanding officer Promod Kumar fought valiantly when attacked by terrorists in Srinagar. I am deeply pained at his death,” he said in a statement.
Saluting the CRPF officer for his valour and supreme sacrifice, the Home Minister said Kumar served the nation till his last breath.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” he said.
The Home Minister also asked Director General of CRPF K. Durga Prasad to evacuate those injured in the incident by air ambulance to Delhi.
“I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured CRPF jawans,” he said.
