SRINAGAR: The overnight encounter that started with the attack on a CRPF centre in Lethpora, four CRPF personnel have so far died along with at least two militants. The operation has not been declared over yet.

CRPF personnel holding positions outside the camp where militants on Sunday morning barged inside the CRPF training centre in Lethpora area of district Pulwama of south Kashmir. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur

Among the slain personnel, one is reported to have died of cardiac arrest but details are yet to emerge. Two personnel were killed in the initial attack and one later succumbed to the injuries. The bodies of the slain personnel are being evacuated to Srinagar for wreath laying, reports said.

Though not confirmed, reports said two of the slain security men belong to J&K. One is from Chadoora and another is from Rajouri. The Naowgam, Chadoora resident was identified as Saifuddin.

Earlier CRPF spokesman told reporters that the militant duo barged into the installation during wee hours killing four personnel as three others were injured. They have been evacuated to the hospital.

CRPF said both the militants have been killed and the building in which they were holed up was destroyed in the fire during the encounter.

State Police Chief Dr S P Vaid told reporters that they had inputs about a suicide attack. “They were trying to mount an attack but failed to get the space so they struck in Lethpora,” Vaid was quoted saying.
Earlier in the day, Jaish-e-Muhammad militant outfit has staked the claim for the attack. It has threatened the continuation of the attack despite the Operation All Out.

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