NC leader’s PSO killed in Anantnag

Our Correspondent

Anantnag, July 14

A Personal Security Officer (PSO) of a National Conference (NC) leader was killed by militants on Sunday here.

The slain policeman has been identified as Constable Reyaz Ahmad Khan.

The leader, Syed Tawqeer, was attending a meeting inside a house, in the Hillar area of the district, when the incident took place at 6 pm.

The NC leader, who is also a former judge, was attending meetings with party workers when militants targeted his guards. “He was inside the home of one of his workers, while policemen were guarding the house. The militants opened fire at the policemen injuring one of them critically,” a senior police official from Anantnag said.

He said the PSO was immediately evacuated to a hospital, but he succumbed on the way. “He was declared brought dead,” the police officer said.

Following the incident, security forces rushed to the area and cordoned it off. Searches were carried out to nab the assailants, but they had managed to escape.

Srinagar: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah condemned the killing of policeman Reyaz Ahmad Khan.

Omar took to Twitter to write his condemnation of the killing of the cop.

“My colleague from Kokernag in south Kashmir Judge (retd) Tauqeer sahab was just attacked by militants. While he escaped unhurt, his security officer was hit and killed in the line of duty. I unreservedly condemn this dastardly attack and convey my condolences to the family of the deceased,” Omar said.

Omar said the slain policeman, a selection-grade constable, was posted with the former judge for the last few years.

“(He) was killed when three militants attacked a party convention. I have just spoken to Tauqeer sahab to convey my concern and my condolences for Riyaz’s death,” Omar said.