Clash between militants and police leaves 36 injured

Jammu, Dec 17 (UNI) As many as 36 people, including 15 security force personnel, were today injured in a clash between imprisoned foreign militants and security forces on the high-security Kot Bhalwal jail premises here during a search operation.

Confirming the attack at a news conference, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pramod Jain said the DIG will conduct an inquiry into the incident.

According to Mr Jain, the jail administration with the help of security forces started a search operation in a cell where 300 militants, including 40 Pakistani mercenaries, were lodged. To which, the foreign militants opposed and started pelting stones at the security forces.

''The foreign militants have been trying to create terror in Kot Bhalwal jail. It was not only the violation of jail norms but also a clear case of attack from rooftops,'' he said.

He, However, denied the reports of firing in jail.

Inspector General of police S P Vaid said police assistance was obtained amid heavy stone pelting, police personnel removed the prisoners from the roofs of the barracks and disarmed them after a mild lathicharge and firing of tear gas shells.

During the operations, which lasted three hours, a number of police personnel and prisoners sustained injuries.

Three of the seriously injured have been shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH).

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