Cop killed in militant attack
Srinagar: A policeman was killed and another injured when suspected militants attacked the cavalcade of ruling party MLA, Abdul Majeed Padder in South Kashmir’s Damhalhanjipora area on Saturday.
Official sources said the militants attacked the cavalcade of MLA Noorabad Abdul Majeed Padar in which one policeman (driver) identified as Khurshid Ahmad died on the spot while another was injured. The attack took place at Nandmarg crossing in Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam district around 4:45 pm. The MLA, however, escaped unhurt in the attack.
“Militants fired volley of bullets on the police van which hit its driver and another cop,” sources in police said. “The driver died on the spot.”
Police said that a search operation has been launched in the area to nab the assailants.
The attack comes hours after two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants, including its Shopian commander, were killed in Pulwama during an encounter with government forces during which a civilian was also killed allegedly in forces firing.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said that the cop was killed when a bunker vehicle while returning from duty was fired upon by the hiding militants at Nandinarg crossing in D.H. Pora.
The police party retaliated the attack and due to brave retaliatory action, police foiled the attempt of weapon snatching conspired by the militants. During the attack the driver of the AST vehicle Khurshid Ahmad Tak got injured in the firing of the militants. Despite being injured he displayed conspicuous act of courage by successfully taking the vehicle out of arch of fire and saved life of others. He was killed in the process, the spokesman added.
The news regarding the attack on the legislator Noorabad is incorrect and is denied. Perpetrators behind this attack have been identified as Gulzar Paddar group and Umar Majid Ganie group of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. In this connection investigation was also set into motion, the spokesman added.
The officer is survived by aged parents, wife, 3-year old daughter and 2-year old son. We pay rich tribute to the brave heart Khurshid Ahmed and stand by the family at this critical juncture. Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of young, promising and committed police official, the spokesman added.
KV Correspondent
