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6 BSF men among 12 killed in J&K

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

In a deadly spurt in violence in the troubled Jammu & Kashmir state, 12 persons -- six Border Security Force jawans, four civilians and two militants -- were killed at Panzipora Tarzoo in the apple-producing town of Sopore in Baramulla district today.

Acting on a tip-off, the BSF cordoned off Panzipora village and tried to mount a search to flush out militants of the pro-Pakistan Lashkar-e-Toiba organisation hiding there.

But the militants opened indiscriminate fire with automatic weapons and hurled hand-grenades, causing serious injuries to nine BSF jawans. Six of them died before they could be taken to hospital. Those killed included a BSF inspector, Hazare Ram, who was leading the raiding party.

The three others were shifted to hospital. Their condition is stated to be critical.

Police said the BSF was later joined by army troops who retaliated effectively and opened heavy fire on the houses from where the militants were firing.

But some of the locals alleged that troops fired indiscriminately, killing four civilians. Later they used mortars, the people claimed, resulting in severe collateral damage to seven houses.

In the retaliation by the troops, two top militants of the LeT were also killed. The gun battle, which began early this morning, continued till late in the afternoon. The village was sealed by troops and residents were subjected to an identification parade.

Police said some persons had been taken in to custody for questioning. This was one of the fiercest gun battles in the state after the recent attack by extremists on the Badami Bagh cantonment.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Kashmir valley was reviewed at a high-level meeting at the Unified Command Headquarters in Srinagar. The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.

The recent attack on Badami Bagh was discussed in detail. The 15 Corps commander, Lt Gen Krishan Pal, the state chief secretary, and heads of various security agencies attended the meeting.

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