Hours before the scheduled arrival of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in Srinagar on a three-day visit to the state, militants struck in Sopore in northern Kashmir, storming a heavily guarded camp of paramilitary Border Security Force.

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Police said two heavily-armed militants hurled grenades and fired from automatic weapons and forced their way into the camp. Six BSF jawans were injured in the initial fire.

Reports said one critically injured BSF soldier succumbed to his injuries later in a hospital.

BSF soldiers inside the camp immediately took positions and engaged the attackers. They managed to kill one of the attackers, while the other managed to escape.

"Security forces are searching the camp area. Firing has stopped now. Fresh reinforcements have been rushed to the spot and the area sealed," a senior BSF officer said.