Kupwara attack: Hunt on for 3rd terrorist

Security forces have launched a massive search operation to hunt down the third absconding fidayeen member, even as initial investigations point to the possible involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the attack on the artillery base in Panzgam, near the Line of Control, in Kupwara district of north Kashmir. on Thursday

The search operation has also been intensified in the adjacent areas of Panzgam to track down the absconding fidayeen member who left his weapon inside the camp before escaping after being hit in a gun fight.

"The operation was launched yesterday (Thursday, April 27). We are collecting intelligence, and are hoping for a breakthrough," said Shamsheer Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kupwara.

Three fidayeen (suicide attackers) terrorists had stormed the artillery brigade headquarters in Panzgam in the wee hours of the morning on April 27, and hurled grenades and started indiscriminate firing after cutting through two barbed wire fences from the rear side of the camp. Three soldiers, including 26-year-old Captain Ayush, were killed, while five others were injured in the attack. Two fidayeen members were later killed in the operation that lasted for 35 minutes.

What baffled the security forces was the recovery of the third AK-47 riffle that pointed at the possible involvement of a third terrorist in the attack. "The third terrorist was injured and left his weapon behind. This is why he is on the run," said Colonel Surabh Joshi, Commanding Officer of the Artillery Unit.

Security forces have put the investigation on the fast track, and are analysing data of the mobile phone and studying the matrix sheets and maps to unravel the mystery behind the attack and the attackers.

"Our initial investigation has revealed the Lashkar-e-Tioba's possible involvement in the attack. We are checking whether it was a freshly infiltrated group sent directly from the other side of the LoC to launch the attack, or if they first infiltrated into Kashmir a few days before the attack," said an officer involved in the investigation.

Even as investigators are trying to connect the dots, homage was paid to the 'valour and sacrifice' of Captain Yadav, Subedar Bhoop Singh Gurjar and Naik Botta Venkata Ramana in a solemn ceremony held at Badami Bagh Cantonment, the headquarters of the Army's 15 (Chinar) Corps, Defence Spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

The mortal remains of the martyrs will be taken to their native places for the last rites with full military honours.