Three cops killed in two attacks in Srinagar

Three policemen were Monday killed in two attacks in the city with security forces put on high alert, and the police saying that these attacks by militants are meant to show their presence.
Two policemen, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, were Monday killed in at Mill stop in Zadibal in East Srinagar, while one more cop was killed in the second attack at Tengpora in Batamaloo.
The two police personnel who were killed in the first attack were identified as Assistant Sub Inspector Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, of Surigam, Lolab and Head Constable Nazir Ahmad of Sarmargi, Handwara, in northern Kupwara district.
A police official told KNS that the Head Constable Muhammad Sidiq Sheikh of Machil, Kupwara, was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries. He said that the gunmen also decamped with his assault rifle.
The official said the cop was Personal Security Officer of a political activist, Mohammad Abdullah.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh said that the killings are unfortunate and expressed solidarity with the families of the slain policemen.
“Police and security forces are scarifying their lives for peace and stability of the state. We should all get together against the forces who are disturbing peace. Such incidents cannot weaken our efforts of peace and prosperity of the state,” Singh said soon after participating in the wreath laying ceremony of the slain policemen.
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.
On Hizbul Mujahideen claiming responsibility of the attacks, the DGP said, “We are investigating to find facts.”
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Syed Javaid Gilani said that the attacks took place in Srinagar after a long time.
He said that the attacks by the militants “follow after security forces’ operation against the HM and LeT terrorists from many months”.
“It is desperation from the militants to attack policemen who are performing routine traffic regulation or patrolling duty,” he said.
The IGP said that it is too early to say whether the “terrorists were based here or came from outside”.
“We will investigate and get back to you,” he said, adding that police is taking all precautions to thwart such attacks.