Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Sep 17: A policeman and a non-J&K resident were killed in two separate militancy related incidents in the southern district of Kulgam on Friday, officials said.
Officials said that the militants fired upon a policeman near Shamford School, leaving him severely wounded.
The injured policeman was shifted to the hospital, however, he succumbed on the way, they said. The slain cop was identified as Bantu Sharma, son of Nathji resident of Wanpoh who was working as follower in J&K police, the official said.
He added that the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers
A police spokesman in a statement said that at 6 pm, Kulgam Police received information about an incident near Shamford School in Wanpoh area of Kulgam where militants had fired at a policeman. Senior police officers reached at the spot, he said.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that militants had fired indiscriminately at the policeman Bantu Sharma son of Trilokinath Sharma resident of Wanpoh, Kulgam near Shamford School Wanpoh. In this incident, he had sustained grievous bullet injuries and was shifted to hospital for the treatment, where he succumbed,” the police spokesman said, adding that “Police have registered a case in this regard under relevant sections of law. Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this crime. Area has been cordoned off and search in the area is going on.”
The killing of policeman evoked widespread condemnation from the political camp of Kashmir. Several leaders including former Chief Ministers of J&K on Friday condemned the killing of policeman and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. “I unequivocally condemn the militant attack in Kulgam district of South Kashmir. My heartfelt condolences to the family & colleagues of Constable Bantoo Sharma of Railway Protection Force who was killed in the line of duty earlier this evening. May his soul rest in peace,” tweeted Omar Abdullah. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also tweeted: “Very sorry to hear about the attack in Kulgam today that claimed yet another innocent life. Deepest condolences & prayers with Bantoo Sharma ji’s family. May his soul rest in peace.” Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone wrote on his twitter handle, “Strongly condemn the killing of a policeman in Kulgam. May Allah give patience to the family of Bantu Sharma to bear this loss. And May the killers rot in hell.”
Barely two-and-a half hours after the killing of policeman in Wanpoh, a non-J&K resident, who was working as a labourer, was killed at Nehama area of Kulgam district, police said.
An official said that a non-J&K labourer was shot at by suspected militants at around 8:25 pm at Nehama area. The slain was identified as Shankar Choudhary, a resident of Bihar. Medical Superintendent District Hospital Kulgam confirmed that Choudhary was brought dead to the hospital. A police official said that top officials have rushed to the spot and that the area has been sealed while a manhunt has been launched to nab the attackers.
