ASI martyred, civilian shot dead in Kashmir

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at District Police Lines Awantipora to pay homage to martyr ASI Mohd Ashraf who was killed in a militant attack at Bijbehara on Wednesday. —Excelsior/Sajad Dar
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at District Police Lines Awantipora to pay homage to martyr ASI Mohd Ashraf who was killed in a militant attack at Bijbehara on Wednesday. Another pic on page 6. —Excelsior/Sajad Dar

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 22 : An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police was martyred while a man was killed in two separate attacks at Srinagar and Bijbehara area of Anantnag district this evening.
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Militants attacked and martyred an ASI of police in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district this evening. He was shot at by militants near SDH Bijbehara during evening hours. He was shifted to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
He has been identified as Mohammad Ashraf of Awantipora. He had received four bullet injuries.
Police said that militants fired indiscriminately and critically injured a police personnel ASI Mohammad Ashraf of PS Bijbehara in district Anantnag.
The area was cordoned off and searches were conducted against the militants responsible for the attack.
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Gunshots on the car of a civilian (left) and his family members break down after hearing news of his death (right) in Srinagar on Wednesday. (UNI)
Gunshots on the car of a civilian (left) and his family members break down after hearing news of his death (right) in Srinagar on Wednesday. (UNI)

In the meantime, just 20 minutes prior to the attack on the ASI, a man was shot dead outside his residence at Merjanpora area of Nawakadal, Srinagar this evening.
He has been identified as Rouf Ahmad Khan, son of Muhammad Shafi Khan of Merjanpora Nawa Kadal. He was fired upon by militants outside his home. He was immediately shifted to hospital where doctors declared him as brought dead.
A police spokesman said that police have registered cases in both the attacks. “Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances leading to these crimes. The respective areas have been cordoned and search in these areas is going on,” the spokesman said.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and political leaders today condemned the twin attacks in Kashmir.
“Deeply saddened by the barbaric and cowardly act in Srinagar and Anantnag. I strongly condemn this heinous attack on civilian Rouf Ahmad & JKP officer Mohd Ashraf. The militants and their handlers responsible for these killings will be brought to justice soon. Such barbaric 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”, the LG tweeted.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice president, Omar Abdullah expressed condolences with the bereaved families.
“Allah marhoom ko magfirat farmaye Ameen. I unreservedly condemn these two attacks & send my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives today,” Omar tweeted.
Meanwhile, a 20-year-old girl has lost her foot in a landmine blast along Line of Control in Hathlanga village in Uri this afternoon.
The girl identified as Masooma Bano, 20, daughter of Juma Chachi lost her left foot in a landmine blast. The girl was reportedly grazing a sheep herd close to her home.
A Health official said that they received a girl at SDH hospital with severe leg injury even as her left foot was cut off. “After assessing her condition, she was referred to GMC Baramulla for preferential treatment”, the official said.