Brief Lull in Kashmir Ends: 2 Cops Killed, 10 CRPF Men Injured

SRINAGAR: After a brief lull in insurgency-related violence, two policemen resisting gun-snatching attempt were killed while at least 10 CRPF men were injured in twin attacks on security forces by suspected militants in the restive south Kashmir.

Senior Superintendent of police, Pulwama, Mohammad Aslam Chaudhary said a group of militants carried out an attack on policemen deployed as guards at a court complex in Pulwama with an intention to loot their weapons.

“A group of militants fired indiscriminately at the police post at Takiya Wagam near Government Degree College Pulwama, resulting in on spot death of two security guards and injury to another,” sources said.

Sources said two policemen were killed and one was injured in the attack while the militants managed to escape with the service rifles of the cops, “The injured cop Manzoor Ahmad has been shifted to SMHS hospital for treatment,” they said.

The attack took place in the holiest Muslim night of 'Shab-e-Qadr’ when thousands of faithful Muslims held dusk to dawn prayers in the month of Ramazan. It comes as security forces have halted counter-insurgency operations against militants following the declaration of 'Ramazan ceasefire' by the centre.

This is the fifth such attack on security forces during this holy month by suspected militants in an attempt to loot weapons. Three attempts were foiled by forces while militants snatched two service weapons from Personnel Security Officers of a protected person in south Kashmir on May 28.

The incident took place few weeks after a senior police officer issued a directive that all sentries, particularly on guard duty, shall wear Bullet Proof (BP) gear and chain their weapons with their belts properly. They were also instructed to do away with using mobile phone while on duty.

According to sources, while new age insurgency has seen a rise in past few years, new recruits often run short of weapons and looting them from security forces becomes the stepping stone for their induction.

Meanwhile, ten paramilitary security personnel were injured in a grenade attack by suspected militants in south Kashmir's Anantnag district early today.

Officials said militants hurled a grenade on CRPF party at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag. “Ten CRPF personnel got minor injuries but their condition is stable. A search operation has been launched in the area to nab the militants," a police officer said.

(Cover Photograph BASIR ZARGAR of Srinagar)