4 cops killed in JeM attack

Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, December 11

Four policemen were killed in a militant attack on a security post in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, 50 km from Srinagar city, today. Militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The policemen were deputed at a security post outside a minority community neighbourhood in Zainapora area of Shopian, a volatile district with a significant presence of militants. The militants took away service rifles of the slain cops.

The slain policemen have been identified as Constables Mehrajuddin Ahmad of Hajin (Bandipora), Abdul Majid of Shalbugh (Ganderbal), Anees Ahmad of Kulgam and Hamidullah of Fatehpora (Anantnag).

A senior police officer said the militants opened indiscriminate fire at on-duty policemen, giving them little time to retaliate. “Four policemen posted at the picket were injured seriously. They were shifted to the nearby Sub-District Hospital where three of them were declared brought dead,” the official said. The fourth policeman was shifted to a Srinagar hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The picket is located in the vicinity of the local police station, besides Army and CRPF camps. A manhunt was launched by the police and Army to nab the militants.

A police official said the militants were led by former Special Police Officer Adil Bashir, who deserted in October. 

In a separate incident, a 45-year-old man who was abducted a month ago from outside his home in Laroo village of Kulgam district was today found dead and buried at an orchard in the district.

The body of Sheeraz Ahmad Bhat was retrieved from an orchard at Ahtoo village. Bhat owned the house where a gunfight between militants and security forces had taken place on October 21. Three JeM militants were killed and seven civilians had lost their lives in an accidental blast following the encounter.

An official said several persons were arrested in connection with the case and the body was  located on the basis of information given by them.