CRPF constable feted for foiling attack on camp

SRINAGAR:THE CRPF on Thursday awarded constable Raghunath Gaite, a sentry at the force’s camp in Karan Nagar in Srinagar who foiled a militant attack, for his bravery and announced that he will be promoted out-of-turn.

Speaking at a ceremony in Srinagar, CRPF director general of police RR Bhatnagar said that Ghait’s alertness and bravery ensured that the camp was not attacked. Bhatnagar presented Gaite and a few other jawans with the DG’S commendation disc and certificate for their bravery.

Bhatnagar added that security forces are ready to face any sort of challenge in the Valley.

Gaite who belongs to the 23rd Battalion of the CRPF had seen two armed men dressed in army fatigues moving towards the camp on Monday and opened fire when he realised they were militants.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Gaite said, “When I was on duty, I saw two gunmen approaching the camp. It was snowing, so visibility was poor. When they kept coming closer, I became certain that they were militants and were about to attack our camp. Then I started firing on them.”

The two militants were holed up in a building close to the camp after running away following Gaite’s firing. They were killed a day later. A CPRF trooper Mujahid Khan was martyred in the gunbattle.

“The jawans who foiled the suicide attack at Sumbal (in Bandipora district) last year, will also be given out-of-turn promotions,” Bhatnagar told reporters here.

He also congratulated CRPF personnel for a clean operation at Karan Nagar as there was no collateral damage.

Replying to a question, the DG said that the CRPF will provide the compensation due to Khan’s family within the next few days.

“We take care of the families of our martyrs. They (Khan’s family) will get compensation within two to three days,” he said.