Representational pic by Abid Bhat

Srinagar: Unknown number of militants mounted a daring attack on an army camp in north Kashmir’s Hajin area of Bandipora district late Tuesday night.

While talking to The Kashmir Press, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Sheikh Zulfiqar Azad said that a group of militants late night opened indiscriminate fire upon the army camp in Hajin.

He, however, said that it was a “stand-off” attack mounted by the militants on the army camp belonging to 33 RR.

The camp is located in the close vicinity of Hajin police station and Special Operations Group (SOG).

No loss of life or property was reported from Hajin due to attack, police officials said

While narrating the whole incident, locals said that the militants launched attack on the camp from four directions.

“The attack started at around 09:25 pm,” locals of Hajin said.

“People were praying in local Masjid. Suddenly bursts of gun shots were heard from the close vicinity.  Then heavy exchange of fire was heard close to the army camp next to Jamia Masjid. The thud of blasts could also be heard”.

The locals said the intensity of firing was such that worshippers stopped praying and came out of the mosque in hurry.

Scores of youths also assembled outside their homes and started protesting against the army.

Announcements were made on loudspeakers asking people to come out of their homes and support the militants.

“We thought the militants were trapped,” locals said.

“The men and women left their houses and came out on streets in support of militants. They tried to reach the actual spot where the firing was going on”.

The locals said the exchange of heavy fire was regularly followed by the thud of blasts.

At least five big explosions were heard from the encounter site, they added

The firing between the two sides continued for 25 minutes. However, the militants managed to escape from the spot.