Clash between security forces, militants ongoing in Srinagar

The militants while trying to enter into the house attacked the two guards- constable Abdul Hamid and constable Vinod Kumar and also snatched their service weapons. The two guards later succumbed to their injuries.

Sources said that police has now ordered an inquiry as three policemen were found absent from their duties and militants could have easily entered inside the house without any further resistance from the cops. The militants after snatching the weapons of the injured policemen escaped from the spot. Later army and police engaged the militants responsible for the attack outside the village and killed both the militants after a brief encounter and also recovered the snatched weapons. Police later identified the slain militants as foreigners.

A senior police officer told The Indian Express that three policemen have been suspended after the attack on the house of NC leader. “We have ordered an inquiry into the incident,’’ the officer said.

Sources said that incase absence of guards is proved it could be a major security lapse as militants could have killed NC leader along with his workers if they would have entered inside the house.

A militant outfit Al-Shohada Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack on the police guards. Soon after the incident, police claimed that militants had attacked the guards only to snatch their weapons.

Masoodi and other NC activists who at the time of the attack where inside the house escaped unhurt. This was the first militant attack on any political activist since the campaigning began for the parliament elections in the Valley. South Kashmir goes to polls on April 24. After the attack, the political leaders have been asked to take extra precautions and fool proof security arrangements have been made at the places where political parties are planning to hold public gatherings.