BSF recalls8217; Baramulla IG

New Delhi, Sept 9: Weeks after three people were killed in a terrorist attack on a Border Security Force cantonment in Bandipore on July ...

New Delhi, Sept 9: Weeks after three people were killed in a terrorist attack on a Border Security Force cantonment in Bandipore on July 14, BSF8217;s Inspector General of Police Baramulla A S Mangat has been 8220;recalled8221; to the headquarters. The orders were issued last week and no replacement has been named so far.

This is the first official action to fix the responsibility for the incident. Official sources say the IG was recalled because of the 8220;perceived failure8221; of the leadership which resulted in the Bandipore shoot-out. Terrorists had stormed the BSF cantonment and killed Deputy Inspector General S K Chakravarty, his staff officer and the wife of a sub-inspector.

What seems to have finally prompted action was a similar incident last week in Handawara in which Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists held three BSF and two Intelligence Bureau IB officials hostage. Both cases point to gaping holes in security. In the Bandipore incident, preliminary reports reveal that the sentry manning the perimeter securitybooth was missing when the terrorists attacked. After the terrorists entered the BSF compound, Chakravarty challenged them and was shot dead.

Even more shocking facts have emerged in the Handawara incident where despite clear orders only five BSF personnel were guarding the post. Four others posted there had gone to the main unit to take part in the Janmashtami celebrations and had not bothered to report back to the unit.

Preliminary reports reveal that after the terrorists entered the building, BSF and IB officials locked themselves in a room. The BSF men had their weapons with them but, 8220;were so traumatised8221; that they failed to fire at the intruders. Apparently, the IB men pleaded with the BSF officials not to open fire fearing that the terrorists would kill them all.

Interestingly, the Central Reserve Police Force CRPF, and the Rashtriya Rifles units were housed in adjacent buildings and the BSF headquarters have asked the Handwara unit to explain why the terrorists chose the BSF unit toattack.

Blast before rally

DODA: Fourteen people, including two police personnel, were injured when a hand grenade was lobbed at a Tata Sumo vehicle hired by BJP for campaigning, near the District Library, here today. The blast took place at 9.20 am, two hours before the BJP poll rally was scheduled hardly 100 yards away.