An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police was killed and two constables were injured on Tuesday, 12 July, after militants opened fire on a police team on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, officials said.
The incident took place at around 7:15 pm in the Lal Bazar area of the city. The area has been cordoned off.
The three police officials were immediately rushed to the hospital after the incident. However, the assistant sub-inspector, identified as Mushtaq Ahmad, succumbed to his injuries.
The other two injured officials are currently undergoing treatment, the Kashmir Zone Police said. Their condition is reportedly believed to be stable.
"ASI Mushtaq Ahmad #succumbed to his injuries and attained #martyrdom. We pay rich #tribute to the #martyr for his supreme #sacrifice made in the line of duty. Other two injured personnel are being treated. Further details shall follow," the Kashmir Zone Police said in a tweet.
Later on Tuesday, Vijay Kumar, ADGP/IGP of Kashmir Zone, along with other police officers, paid their tributes to slain police officer Mushtaq Ahmad, reported ANI.
Police has since launched a cordon and search operation in the area to nab the militants who attacked the officers.
'Gruesome, Barbaric': Political Leaders Condemn Attack
Terming the attack against the cops as "gruesome, barbaric," several political leaders have condemned it.
Taking to Twitter, National Conference vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear about the militant attack on @JmuKmrPolice personnel deployed in Srinagar in which ASI Mushtaq Ahmed lost his life in the line of duty & two others were injured. My condolences to the family of ASI Mushtaq & prayers for the swift recovery of the injured."
Dubbing the attack as "gruesome," PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, "Deeply saddened about the gruesome attack on police personnel in Lal Bazar. My condolences to ASI Mushtaq Ahmed's family in this hour of grief & prayers for the two policemen critically injured."
Condemning the militant attack, People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone said ,"Yet again terror on the prowl. Distressing news of fatality of a brave police officer. My heartfelt sympathies with the family of the deceased. Praying for swift recovery of the injured police personnel."
While Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari called the attack as "barbaric," CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami said he was "deeply pained to hear about the killing of ASI Mushtaq Ahmad in a militant attack in Lal Bazar, Srinagar. My heart goes out to the family of slain official. I wish speedy recovery to injured cops."
(With inputs from ANI, PTI.)
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