21 February,2016 03:33 AM IST | | Agencies
At least 10 others, including civilians, were injured in Pulwama district after militants attacked a CRPF bus and then entered a training institute
Srinagar: Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers and a civilian were killed and at least 10 others, including civilians, injured on Saturday in a gunfight between guerrillas and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.
Military personnel take up positions near a building taken over by suspected militants during clashes in Pampore. pic/aFP
The gunfight ensued after the militants attacked a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and then entered a training institute located nearby.
A senior police officer said, "Eleven CRPF troopers travelling in the bus were injured in the attack. Three of the injured troopers identified as head constable GD Bhola Prasad of the 144 Battalion, constable-driver RK Raina of the 79 Battalion and one more succumbed to their injuries while the other injured are being treated in the hospital."
After attacking the CRPF bus, the militants believed to be three in number, entered the multi-storeyed Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) building situated close to the highway, when more than 150 trainees and staff members were present inside, the official said.
"Security forces surrounded the building and focused on safe evacuation of the civilians while engaging the holed-up militants in sustained exchange of gunfire. So far, 150 trainees and staff members have been safely evacuated. "After we make sure there are no civilians inside the complex, the final assault against the holed-up militants will be launched," the official said.
A civilian, Abdul Ghani Mir who is a gardener at the JKEDI, also succumbed to the injuries in hospital.
Meanwhile, civilian protesters took to the highway at Kadlibal in Pampore town pelting stones on the passing traffic to stop the movement on the highway.
