LeT kills 8 of CRPF in Kashmir ambush

Militants on Saturday killed eight CRPF personnel of the force’s 161 Battalion and wounded 23 others after ambushing their bus which was passing through the highway town of Pampore near here. Police sources said two CRPF men died on the spot whereas six others succumbed to their injuries on the way to or in hospital. The CRPF has officially confirmed the death of only five of its men and injuries to 23 others.

The police said both attackers were killed in CRPF retaliatory fire. Officials said all the victims were on board a bus in a six-vehicle convoy ambushed by militants at Nambalbal, Pampore, 17 km south of here, at 4 pm.

CRPF spokesperson Bhavesh Choudhury said the men were returning from firing practice when attacked by militants wielding AK assault rifles.

The injured personnel have been admitted to the Army’s 92-base Hospital here. At least half a dozen of them were reportedly critical. J&K police chief K. Rajendra Kumar and CRPF inspector-general Nalin Prabhat were among the senior officers who went to the ambush site.

The LeT late on Saturday claimed responsibility for the attack.