Soldier killed in Jammu gunfight; Omar says no coincidence

Jammu, Nov 27: A soldier was killed in a fierce gun battle on Thursday between the security forces and militants near the international border in Jammu and Kashmir following which the chief minister said the attack can't be a coincidence.

Police sources told IANS that a group of at least eight armed guerrillas infiltrated into the Indian side across the international border at Arnia in R.S. Pura area of Jammu district. The sources said the militants occupied an abandoned army bunker.

The soldier was killed at Pind Khote in Arnia when the security engaged the guerrillas. The gunfight was continuing, the sources said.

"The infiltration attempt was supported by Pakistan Rangers who fired mortar shells at BSF (Border Security Force) positions in Arnia today (Thursday) morning so that the militants could sneak in," a senior police officer said here.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the attack "can't be a coincidence" and that he condoled the death of the soldier with his family.

"The timing of the attack in Arnia can't be a coincidence. My condolences to the family of the army officer killed in Arnia," Omar posted on his Twitter handle.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, along with six other heads of state or government, are Thursday attending the 18th Saarc Summit in Nepal.

Omar Abdullah also said that all check posts along the national highway in Jammu and other sensitive locations have been placed on high alert.

IANS