SRINAGAR: Two soldiers and two Army porters were killed when terrorists attacked an Army vehicle at Kashmir’s Bota Pathri village near the tourist resort of Gulmarg, sources said.
The officials said three soldiers sustained injuries. The injured soldiers were rushed to a hospital, they added.
The officials said the soldiers who were in the vehicle opened retaliatory fire when they came under attack.
The Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a post on X, "A brief firefight took place between #IndianArmy and terrorists in general area Bota Pathri, #Baramulla."
"Details are being ascertained," it said.
The area is completely dominated by the Army and there have been reports in the past that a terrorist group had infiltrated during early summer and taken shelter in the higher reaches of the Afrawat range, the officials said.
The Bota Pathri area was recently opened to tourists.
Reacting to the attack, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “Very unfortunate news about the attack on the army vehicles in the Boota Pathri area of North Kashmir which has resulted in some casualties & injuries. This recent spate of attacks in Kashmir is a matter of serious concern. I condemn this attack is the strongest possible terms & send my condolences to the loved ones of the people who lost their lives. I also pray that injured make a complete & swift recovery.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed security forces to give a swift and befitting response to the terrorists who attacked the Army vehicle.
Sinha said the sacrifice of the martyrs will not go in vain.
"Spoke to top army officials on heinous terror attack in Bota Pathri 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," the LG said in a post on X.
It may be noted that less than a week ago, a doctor and six construction workers were killed when terrorists opened fire at a construction site at Gagangir in J&K's Ganderbal district.