News / India

Militants attack Indian army base in Kashmir, kill one soldier

Monday, 03 October 2016 8:03 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 03 October 2016 8:23 AM ]

Indian army soldiers stand at the entrance to an army camp in the town of Baramulla on October 3, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

An Indian border guard has been killed and another wounded in a militant attack on an army base in the Indian-administered Kashmir, police say.

According to police sources, at least six militants opened fire on the guards late Sunday night, trying to enter their camp in the town of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the Indian troops to respond.

“Militants lobbed grenades and fired with automatic weapons injuring two BSF (Border Security Force) troopers, one of whom later succumbed (to his injuries),” Imtiyaz Ahmad, an Indian senior police superintendent, said on Monday.

India called its Para special forces into the town to search for the “terrorists” and secure the army camp.

The incident occurred three days after the Indian army declared it had launched a “surgical strike” inside the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The army said it had destroyed “terrorist launching pads” used by the militants.

New Delhi accuses Pakistan of arming and training militants fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India. Pakistan, however, denies the allegations.

Tensions between News Delhi and Islamabad have escalated since a militant assault on an Indian army base killed at least 19 soldiers on September 18.

Kashmir has long been at the center of a conflict between the two neighbors. They have fought three wars over the Himalayan region since they gained independence from Britain some 70 years ago.

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