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8 killed, 16 others injured in series of attacks on J&K cops

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Eight policemen, including two sepoys of the Border Roads Organisation, were killed and 16 other people were injured in a series of attacks by heavily armed militants on the Jammu and Kashmir police in and around Srinagar's heavily guarded Lal Chowk [Red Square] this afternoon.

The historic square resounded with the sounds of gunfire and a powerful explosion as militants launched simultaneous attacks on the state police. A senior officer confirmed that seven policemen, including two officers, were killed while 16 others, including some policemen, were injured.

The first attack took place at Madina Chowk in the city centre when militants shot Constable Nazir Ahmad of the India Reserve Police from close range. He was rushed to hospital where he died of his injuries.

Simultaneously, militants shot dead another policeman on duty, identified as Abdul Qayoom, in nearby Koker Bazaar.

At about the same time, another group of militants struck near the Clock Tower. They hurled a grenade and opened fire on an escort vehicle of the state police, injuring two policemen and some bystanders. The incident caused panic and the streets were soon deserted. Troops moved in to cordon off the area and conduct searches while the injured men were moved to hospital. The two constables later died.

Minutes later, extremists fired from close range on an assistant police inspector identified as Sonam Dorjee. He died on the way to hospital.

In nearby Batmaloo militants struck at two places. A passing vehicle of the Border Roads Organisation, or Beacon, was attacked with a hand-grenade, killing two sepoys and injuring three BRO employees. Sixteen policemen and civilians who received injuries were shifted to hospital.

Near Ziarat Batmaloo, a head constable of the state police was shot dead from close range.

Militants also attacked policemen at the general bus stand, Batmaloo.

Commenting on the string of attacks, a senior police officer said the militants "are desperately trying to demoralise the state police who have been actively engaged in anti-militancy operations in Kashmir. But they won't succeed."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has forwarded the resignation of at least seven ministers to Governor Girish Chandra Saxena. The ministers resigned last week after Dr Abdullah decided to prune his jumbo-sized council of ministers because of the state's financial difficulties.

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