Despite intelligence inputs about a possible attack in the area and security forces on high alert on Saturday the terrorists were able to carry out the ambush. Hence questions are being raised over whether there were some lapses on part of the forces. The terrorists appeared to have carefully chosen the spot for the ambush as every vehicle has to slow down at the spot because of a sharp curve on the road.
Later, Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for Pampore terror attack, carried out by at least two terrorists, who were carrying AK-47s and hand grenades. According to some accounts two more militants were involved in the attack but there was no official confirmation.
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| Terrorists Lashkar-e-Taiba ambush CRPF bus kills 8 jawans, 22 injured in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pampore |
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police K Rajendra, who visited the spot, said the two terrorists had been neutralized but “unfortunately we have suffered some causalities too”. when asked whether the slain terrorists were from across the border, Rajendra said, “In all probability they seem to be from Pakistan.”
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikkar said “I think the standard operating procedure wasn’t followed properly,” adding that the situation will be clearer after an inquiry.
Inspector General of CRPF Nalin Prabhat said “First hand impression of the bodies of terrorists is that both appear to be Pakistanis, definitely from Lashksr, and in all likelihood they were fidayeen (suicide attackers),”.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said , “They (terrorists) cannot achieve anything by such attacks..but these acts are only defaming Kashmir; also it’s a set back to our religion because they do it under the garb of religion”.
