2 civilians, 2 soldiers killed as terrorists attack Army vehicle in J&K

An Army vehicle was attacked by terrorists near Botpathri, which is 5 kilometres from the Line of Control (LOC).

In Short

• Army vehicle enroute from Botpathri attacked by terrorists
• Attack targeted 18 Rashtriya Rifles vehicle
• Two civilians working as porters killed in the incident

Two civilians and two soldiers were killed after an Army vehicle was attacked by terrorists near Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The vehicle belonged to the 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

Four soldiers were injured in the attack and are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The vehicle was en route from Botpathri, which is 5 kilometres from the Line of Control (LOC), when the terrorists launched an attack. The two civilians killed in the attack worked as porters with the Army.

Sources said the role of Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT), specialised units that have previously carried out various cross-border attacks, has not been ruled out.

The terrorists carried out an ambush on the Army vehicle when the vehicle reached the remote Botpathri area. The security forces have launched counter operations in response to the terror attack.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack.

"Very unfortunate news about the attack on Army vehicles in the Botpathri area of North Kashmir which has resulted in some casualties and injuries. This recent spate of attacks in Kashmir is a matter of serious concern. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and send my condolences to the loved ones of the people who lost their lives. I also pray that injured make a complete and swift recovery," Omar Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed Army officials to give swift reply to eliminate terrorists.

"Spoke to top Army officials on heinous terror attack in Botpathri Sector. Directed for swift and befitting reply to neutralise terrorists. Operation in progress. Sacrifice of our martyrs will not go in vain. Condolences to their families. Praying for speedy recovery of injured," Manoj Sinha said.

Recently there has been an increase in attacks on non-local labourers in Kashmir, with the latest attack occurring on Thursday morning.

Terrorists shot at and injured a labourer from Uttar Pradesh in the Tral area of Pulwama district today.

Six non-local labourers and a local doctor were killed in a terror attack on a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday, while a labourer from Bihar was shot dead by terrorists in Shopian district on October 18.