The troopers belonged to Indian Army’s elite counter insurgency force, Rashtriya Rifles.

The Indian Army said it has arrested the errant soldier who went berserk inside the camp shooting indiscriminately at his colleagues early this morning.

The four troopers including a junior commissioned officer (JCO) died instantly while the injured trooper was evacuated to hospital.

Giving details of the incident, Lt Col J.S. Brar, Srinagar based defense spokesperson said, “In an unfortunate incident today morning, trooper Abhay Kumar, for unexplained reasons, fired at his own colleagues resulting in the death of one JCO and three other ranks. In addition, one soldier sustained gunshot wounds.

He was evacuated to the hospital and is out of danger. Kumar was overpowered by soldiers and is presently in military custody.”

“A detailed high level court of inquiry has been instituted to ascertain the facts of the case,” the spokesman further added.

When asked whether this was a stress related case, the Indian Army spokesman replied, “This incident is an aberration, being the first in the last two years. The army over the past few years has institutionalized stress management measures such as constant counseling by superiors and religious teachers, regular rest, yoga and other such means. In the instant case, it will be ensured that the truth comes to light and suitable measures instituted to prevent any re-occurrence of such incidents.”

Meanwhile, in another development, security forces fired teargas to disperse stone-pelting demonstrators protesting against the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Mohammad Yaseen Malik and two senior party colleagues.

Malik and other leaders were arrested for leading a sit-in to protest against indiscriminate arrests of young people, police said.

Authorities broke up the demonstration after protesters hurled stones at security forces, according to witnesses and police.

Police have been rounding up youngsters they believe could cause trouble in a bid to avert another summer of violence.