Anti-terror operation still on at air base

Exchange of bullets resumed between the security forces and terrorists inside the Pathankot Air Force station on Sunday afternoon after at least two militants opened fire at NSG commandos. One of the terrorists was killed in the counterfire. The operation to neutralise the remaining terrorist was on till late at night. On Saturday, when the military operation was slowed down after sunset, it was believed that all the militants had been killed. However, on Sunday noon, fresh firing was heard. Two terrorists, who had gone into hiding inside the air base in the night, surfaced again. Five terrorists, who were heavily armed with assault rifles, grenades, mortars, rocket launchers, GPS devices and state-of-the-art equipment, have been killed so far. Thick black smoke engulfed the air base as bombs exploded. The security forces have also suffered heavy casualties in the operation with seven soldiers, including Lt Colonel E K Niranjan and a sharpshooter Commonwealth gold medalist sepoy, martyred. At least 20 soldiers were also injured, some of them critically. On Sunday morning, NSG commando Niranjan, who was leading a bomb disposal squad, was injured in an accidental blast. He later succumbed to his injuries. Several other members of the squad were also injured.   DHNS