Terrorists shot dead three policemen, including a junior officer, in two separate attacks in Srinagar on Monday, sending shock waves among the constabulary. Pro-Pakistan outfit Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attacks. Mainstream political parties condemned the attacks as “acts of desperation”.
Sources said the militants showed up at Zadibal chowk in old Srinagar around 10.30 am and opened fire on two on-duty policemen from a point-blank range.
A report said the cops were managing traffic in the square when they were fired upon.
They were rushed to hospital where they were declared brought dead. The slain cops were identified as Assistant Sub-inspector Gulam Mohammad Bhat and constable Bashir Ahmad.
Soon after the shootout, police and CRPF cordoned the area to track down the attackers.
An hour after the Zadibal attack, militants again struck at Tengpora Batamaloo on the outskirts of the city and fired upon constable Mohammad Sidiq who was the Personal Security Officer of a mainstream political worker. Sidiq fell in a pool of blood and died instantly. The attackers also snatched his service rifle.
Sources said Sidiq was deployed with a political worker Mohammad Abdullah Charak, who heads a group Pasmanda Tabkajaat working for the underprivileged classes. The operational spokesperson of Hizbul Mujahideen Burhanuddin called up a local news agency to claim responsibility for the twin attacks.
“Besides killing three policemen of Special Operation Group, the militants managed to decamp with a rifle of a slain policeman,” Burhanuddin said. He said the ‘Operation Field Commander’ of the outfit has directed the squad to intensify attacks on Special Operation Group (SOG).
This is one of the major strikes by militants in Srinagar city in several years. The authorities maintain that Srinagar has been cleared off all the local militants and there was only apprehension of presence of a floating number of militants in the city. The attack has been carried out two days ahead of beginning of Budget Session of the Assembly in Srinagar. The attack comes when a huge number of tourists are arriving in Kashmir.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep shock over the killing of the policemen. Ms Mufti visited the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar where she laid floral wreath on the mortal remains of the slain police personnel.
She expressed solidarity with the bereaved families of the deceased and prayed for peace to the departed souls.
Recalling the sacrifices of police personnel in combating militancy in the State, Mufti said such dastardly acts are against the basic tenets of humanity and they should be condemned by one and all.
“My heart goes out to the families of the slain police personnel and I hope that the perpetrators will be taken to task soon,” she said.
Mufti said such attacks are attempts by vested interests to derail the peace and reconciliation process started by the State Government in Jammu & Kashmir which will also impact the economy at a time when the tourism activity had started picking up in the State.
Besides Deputy CM, DGP, and IGP, the wreath laying ceremony was attended by the family members of the cops and top police officials.
Director General of Police K Rajendra said the attack on unarmed policemen by militants is “an act of desperation” to show their presence.
“We have seen of late that security forces getting very good successes. Entire leadership and newly infiltrated groups (of militants) have been wiped off,” DGP said.