SRINAGAR: A day after security forces repulsed suicide attack on a BSF camp near heavily guarded Srinagar airport by killing three militants, Director General (DG) BSF K K Sharma on Wednesday said fidayeen attacks can’t be stopped and as long as “our friendly neighbour” does not behave, such attacks are expected.
“Fidayeens are determined. We can't stop the fidayeen attack. They will always manage to come. But it is the response, which is important,” Sharma told reporters after attending the wreath-laying ceremony of ASI BSF B K Yadav at Humhama, here today.
ASI Yadav was killed and three border guards injured in an encounter after three heavily armed militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad stormed a BSF camp near Srinagar airport in the early hours of Tuesday. All the three attackers were killed in the seven hour long gunfight with security forces.
Terming the BSF’s response to the fidayeen attack as highly professional, Sharma said, “The moment the militants entered the BSF camp at around 4.10 am, they were spotted and challenged by the alert sentry.”
“The timely detection of fidayeen averted major tragedy,” he said adding other sentries and BSF men and officials in the barracks also got alerted to tackle the militants.
According to Sharma, the fidayeen wanted to target the weapons in quarter guard. “However, the alert sentry foiled their attempt”.
“One of the militants was killed near the gate while operation to flush out militants from the administrative block and Officers mess was carried out professionally by BSF, CRPF and J&K police’s Special Operations Group personnel. We were able to neutralise the militants without any collateral damage or much harm to our own forces,” he said.
The DG BSF said two of the three militants were wearing CRPF battle uniform while the third was wearing a Pathan suit.
He said many fidayeen attacks have taken place in Valley during which damage was caused. “In comparison, BSF tackled the fidayeen attack professionally without sustaining much damage. It shows BSF discipline, bravery and training.”
At least eight security personnel were killed and over dozen injured in a fidayeen attack on District Police Lines, Pulwama in August this year. All the three attackers were also killed
Asked whether they expect fidayeen attacks, DG BSF said, “As long as our friendly neighbour (indirectly referring to Pakistan) does not behave, we will have to expect such attacks.”
He said the security of the camps is reviewed periodically and adequate measures are taken to ensure safety of the camps.
Sharma said they receive information about possible fidayeen attacks on security force camps from intelligence agencies.
“Our men were alert and prepared to deal with such attack and that is why we were able to neutralise the militants with less damage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who also attended the wreath-laying ceremony of slain BSF ASI, said Pakistan is waging a proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our security personnel are fighting bravely. We will defeat proxy war let loose by Pakistan and Pakistan-sponsored militants in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.