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BSF commandant among 5 killed in Kashmir

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

A Border Security Force commandant, sub-inspector and jawan were among the five killed in a deadly gun-battle at Takun, near Ganderbal, in Srinagar district on Friday afternoon.

Elsewhere in the state, five persons, including two militants, were killed.

The BSF had in the morning encircled a group of militants in Takun. The party, led by Commandant Vinod Kumar, tightened the cordon. They came under heavy fire. Kumar was hit and died on the spot.

Two others, including Sub-Inspector Beer Singh and Kumar's bodyguard, also died at the site.

Sources said the militants managed to escape.

Reinforcements have been rushed to Takun. Massive searches are going on.

This is the first time after the 1996 elections that a commanding officer of a paramilitary force has been killed in the valley.

Police sources said three others, reportedly civilians, were also killed in the BSF's retaliatory action. The details of the gun-battle are awaited.

In the past few days, troops had intensified searches in Srinagar city and nearby areas following intensified attacks in the summer capital. Police officials admitted that many mercenaries have sneaked into the city.

At least seven militants, including five foreigners, were killed this week in Srinagar.

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