Two BSF soldiers were killed and eight others were injured when unidentified persons opened fire at their convoy which was travelling from Srinagar to Jammu.
A terrorist was also killed as the BSF fired back while the others fled into the forest and took three civilians hostage. One of the terrorists who was trying to flee the ambush site has been captured alive. The three hostages are now safe, say officials.
The attack took place in Sanruli, 10 kms away from Udhampur in Jammu. Security forces have been alerted since this stretch of the highway has seen few attacks in the recent past. Amarnath pilgrims usually use the same route for their journey.
Militants were reportedly wearing army uniforms in a grim reminder of the recent Gurdaspur terror attacks, in which 13 people were killed.
“An attack on this stretch of the NH after a very long time. Worrying development because area was militant free,” tweeted former state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The highway has temporarily been closed down.
(More details are awaited- Image only for representational purposes)