3 Security personnel among 5 killed, three injured in J

Srinagar, Feb 20 (UNI) Three security personnel were among five people killed and three others, inncluding two soldiers were injured in the Jammu and Kashmir overnight.

An official spokesman said a Road Opening Party (ROP) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was fired upon by militants on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Sangam, about 42 km from here in south Kashmir district of Anantnag this afternoon.

He said two CRPF personnel identified as Havaldar Verinder Kumar and constale Vinod Kumar--were injured critically in the militant firing. However, they were immediately shifted to hospital where they were declared brought dead.

Later, traffic on the highway was disrupted for about an hour.

Security forces conducted searches in the area to nab the militants responsible for the attack. However, they had managed to escape.

The Spokesman said militants kidnapped and later killed one Mohammad Ramzan by slitting his throat at Koti Nallah in Doda district of Jammu region.

He said three security personnel were injured when militants hurled a hand grenade on a patrol party at Khajgam in Doda district last night causing injuries to three soldiers. One of the injured soldier died later in the hospital.

Militants shot at and wounded one Khurshid Ahmad Sofi at Viza, Wangoora, in north Kashmir district of Baramulla. He was hospitalised.

He said body of one Firdous Ahmad Gassi alias Tulri was recovered near the bank of river Jehlum at Parimpora this morning.

Police unearthed a hideout and recovered one 303 rilfe at Anantnag. However, no one was arrested, he said.

UNI