ASI killed in IED blast laid to rest with full state honours

Our Correspondent

Doda, January 7

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the J&K Armed Police (JKAP) Irshad Ahmed, who was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Baramulla district on Saturday, was buried with full state honours at his native place in Bhaderwah today.

Four policemen, including ASI Irshad Ahmed, were killed in an IED blast at Sopore in Baramulla district on Saturday. The policeman (52) is survived by his wife, ailing mother and four children, the eldest among whom is 18 years old.

Doda Deputy Commissioner Bhavani Rakwal, Doda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohammed Shabir Khatana and other police and civil administration officers were present at the wreath-laying ceremony of the policeman at Bhaderwah today.

Meanwhile, relatives and family of the slain policeman expressed said the government had not provided chopper facilities to shift the body to Bhaderwah.

“If there is a provision for airlifting Army and CRPF martyrs, why is the facility not being provided to the policemen killed in the line of duty. Why this discrimination? Are they laying down their lives for their motherland?” asked Wajahat Hussain, retired Head Constable and uncle of the slain policeman.

“A large number of people from Bhaderwah and Doda had gathered at our place and were waiting for the body. But we had to wait for 12 hours before the body finally arrived,” Hussain further said.

“The government should provide immediate financial support to the family as Irshad was the lone bread earner in the family,” he said.

Doda SSP Mohammed Sharif Khatana said: “We all are pained but we are proud of the police officer who laid down his life for the nation while maintaining law and order. We have buried him with full state honour.”

On allegations that the body had reached after 12 hours, he said: “We don’t have any alternative, but we tried our best to ensure smooth transportation of the body by deploying road opening parties all along the highway.”

“Immediate relief of Rs 1 lakh will be given to the family. The family will also get Central and state ex gratia, benefits under the SRO-43 and under the new policy of DGP SP Vaid at the earliest,” he promised.