J&K: Cop, guard injured after militants open fire at police party

A senior official said Irshad was overseeing preparations for Eid-e-Milad celebrations when the police patrol was attacked. “The officer received several bullets and doctors are treating him for injuries,” the official said.

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Special Operation Group of J&K police and the army’s Rashtriya Rifles have cordoned the area to track down the militants. Hizbul Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack. A Hizbul spokesperson said the militants who shot at the police party were from a special squad and have reached their hideouts safely. He also warned of similar attacks on the police in future.

Of late, militants have been active in Bijbhera, the native town of J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. In June, a police personnel was shot by unidentified gunmen here. Last month, the police killed three local militants affiliated to the Hizbul Mujahideen in Siligam Ashimuqam.

However, officials said, some militants were still active in the area and they might be involved in Thursday’s attack.