The Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group has claimed responsibility for the IED blast in J&K’s Sopore that killed at least four policemen and injured two others on Saturday, 6 January, reports News18. The last rites of constable Ghulam Nabi killed in blast was performed in Baramulla on the same day.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Munir Khan had earlier confirmed the death toll number with The Greater Kashmir. According to the report, the three deceased policemen have been identified as ASI Irshad Ahmad from Doda, Muhammad Amin from Kupwara and Ghulam Nabi from Sopore. According to The Times of India, the policemen were from the 3rd Battalion of Indian Reserve Police.
An official told PTI that the IED was planted by the militants near a shop in a lane between the 'Chotta Bazaar' and 'Bada Bazaar' in Sopore in Baramulla district.
NDTV reports that three different shops were also destroyed in the explosion. An IANS report says that following the explosion, the area was cordoned off and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital.
J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: “Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore.”
The policemen were reportedly patrolling the area in view of a separatist-sponsored strike in the region. According to The Indian Express, separatists were observing a shutdown in Sopore on 6 January, to protest the killing of over 50 civilians on this day in 1993.
Congress Questions BJP’s Efforts to Protect India’s Defence Personnel
Meanwhile, Congress alleged that the BJP-led Centre has "singularly failed" to protect the country's defence personnel. The party also questioned the recent covert meeting of the NSAs of India and Pakistan.
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said that not a day goes without attacks on Army, paramilitary and police men and all that the government has to offer are "boastful" statements and tall claims, PTI reported.
The accountability of this government will have to be established. This government has singularly failed to reassure the country of its ability to protect defence establishments and personnel.Congress Leader Anand Sharma
“We are completely in the dark as to what was discussed during the recent meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart (retired Lt Gen) Nasser Khan Janjua. There have been similar meetings in the past. What has been their outcome?” Sharma was quoted as saying.
Five CRPF men were killed on December 31 when heavily armed terrorists carried out a suicide attack on a camp of the paramilitary force in Pulwama in south Kashmir.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS, NDTV and The Indian Express)
(This is a developing copy and will be updated.)