2 holed up fidayeen, 7 jawans among 10 killed in Srinagar encounter

Srinagar, Oct 5 (UNI) Seven security personnel and two fidayeen were among ten people killed and 17 others, including four civilians, wounded in the 24-hour-long gunbattle which ensued after militants made an abortive bid to storm the Dashnami Akhara, housing the holy Mace of Lord Shiva in Srinagar yesterday.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir police Gopal Sharma told reporters at the spot that operation was over and the area has been declared safe after proper search.

"Both the militants have been killed by the security forces," he said.

"We lost five police personnel and two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Mr Sharma said, adding one civilian also died in the shootout.

The police chief said there were some unexploded explosive left in the building, which had been defused.

"The attack was borne out of the frustration of militants who failed to carry out any big attack in the past," the DGP said, ruling out being a fidayeen attack on any target. They just opened fire and entered a hotel, he said.

About the casualities suffered by the security forces, he said the security forces exercised great restraint to avoid any damage to property. "Our security forces sacrificed their lives to save the civilians", he said, adding there was no damage to property.

A senior CRPF officer, who was also present said militants killed a security force jawan who was in the hotel building guarding the streets.

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UNI BAS VD BST1507