Srrinagar: Pakistan-supported terrorists today carried out attacks at two places in Kashmir, killing a civilian and a police officer and evoking sharp condemnation.
In the first attack in the evening, a civilian, identified as Rouf Ahmad Khan, was shot at by terrorists near his residence in Safa Kadal area of old Srinagar.
He succumbed to his injuries in a hospital, police said.
“Unidentified terrorists fired upon a civilian Rouf Ahmad Khan who received grievous gunshot injuries in this terror incident and was immediately evacuated to nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” the police said.
Security forces were rushed to the scene of the crime and a hunt was launched to track down the killers.
A short while later, an Assistant Sub Inspector of J&K Police was shot at by terrorists in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
ASI Mohammad Ashraf was shot near a police station, police said.
“In this terror crime incident, he received gunshot injuries and was immediately shifted to hospital for the treatment of his injuries. However, he succumbed to his injuries and attained martyrdom,” the police said.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, while condemning the killings, said, “the terrorists and their handlers responsible for these killings will be brought to justice soon.”
In a tweet, Sinha said, “Deeply saddened by the barbaric and cowardly terrorist act in Srinagar and Anantnag. I strongly condemn this heinous attack on civilian Rouf Ahmad & JKP officer Mohd Ashraf. The terrorists and their handlers responsible for these killings will be brought to justice soon.”
He went on to add, “Such barbaric terror act will not succeed in undermining J&K’s development journey. Deepest & heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Govt stands with the families & friends at this difficult time.”
In the recent weeks, terrorists have carried out targeted attacks on policemen in Kashmir, killing 6 personnel.
On December 13, three cops were killed and a dozen others njured when terrorists attacked a police bus at Zewan on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Earlier, on December 10, two policemen were killed in a terrorist attack at Gulshan Chowk of Bandipora in north Kashmir.
PDP leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said there was no end in sight to this bloodshed.
“No end in sight to this cycle of bloodshed & violence in Kashmir. Deepest condolences to their families,” she tweeted.
National Conference leader and former Chief Minister tweeted, “..I unreservedly condemn these two attacks & send my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives today.”
Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone also condemned the killings.
BJP J&K spokesman Altaf Thakur said “it was an act of frustration and that militants are feeling frustrated and attacking unarmed policemen.”
