Srinagar, (PTI) Heavy exchange of fire continued
between security forces and militants holed up inside a
government building in Pampore area on the outskirts of
Srinagar today in which a soldier has been injured so far, the
second terror strike at the complex in less than eight months.
Two to three militants stormed into the Entrepreneurship
Development Institute (EDI) complex in the wee hours today and
took positions inside one of the buildings, a police official
said.
The official said the ultras could have entered the
complex from the riverside but that can only be ascertained
once the operation is over.
After getting inside the complex, the militants set on
fire a few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the
attention of the police and other security forces, who arrived
within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building, the
official said.
He said in the initial exchange of fire, a soldier was
injured.
The security forces used mortar shells, Light Machine Guns
and small arms in a bid to flush out the militants but their
efforts have not been successful so far, the official said.
He said EDI complex has been cordoned off and the
operation is likely to drag on till tomorrow.
"A vigil will be maintained around the complex to prevent
the militants from escaping during the night," he added.
Militants had targeted the EDI building in February this
year as well.
Five security force personnel including two young army
officers and a civilian employee of the Institute and three
militants were killed in that operation that lasted 48 hours