Militants kill 3 unarmed cops in Valley, injure two in 3 attacks

Police spokesman Manoj Pandita said the three policemen were returning from Amshipora village where they had gone in connection with a criminal investigation.

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Officials said the militants, who were wearing Army uniforms, made the policemen get off the Tata Sumo SUV and, after ascertaining their identities, shot them at close range. Officials said the three policemen were travelling without weapons, and in a private vehicle. The militants managed to escape after the attack. A manhunt has been launched in the area.  The slain policemen have been identified as Head Constable Mushtaq Ahmad of Adigam Pulwama, Constable Nisar Ahmad of Sopore and Constable Shabir Ahmad of Leh.

Earlier, militants fired at a police sub-inspector travelling in a bus at Mirgund. The officer was rushed to hospital. The militants commandeered the bus to Sopore before escaping.

In the third attack, militants fired at and injured a civilian named Rafiq Ahmad Dada at Tral bus stand. Police said Dada was a former militant.

J&K Director-General of Police K Rajendra said the attacks on unarmed policemen would not demoralise the force. “The policemen were delivering their professional duties when the militants fired at them. This cowardly act will only strengthen our commitment to eradicate the menace from society,” the DGP said.

Former CM Omar Abdullah described the killing of the policemen as a reminder of persisting challenges.    – With PTI