Terrorists open fire at police bus in Kashmir, 3 cops killed

IN another incident of terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, two policemen were killed while 12 were injured on Monday (13) when extremists opened fire on a police bus in a high-security area near Srinagar, the summer capital of the union territory (UT).

One more among the injured died at the hospital on Tuesday (14) while undergoing treatment, taking the tally to three.

It was the first major attack on the Indian security forces in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 which revoked the special status that was granted to Jammu and Kashmir, formerly a state, by the Indian Constitution.

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The militants targeted the vehicle which was carrying personnel of the 9th Batallion of J&K Police’s armed wing on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The incident occurred in Zewan on the outskirts of Srinagar city.

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The police initially said 14 policemen were injured in the attack. Two personnel died later. The injured were admitted in an army hospital where they received treatment.

“Terrorists fired upon a police vehicle near Zewan in Panthachowk area of Srinagar. 14 personnel injured in the attack. All the injured personnel evacuated to hospital. Area cordoned off. Further details to follow,” the J&K Police said in a tweet.

They added, “Among the injured police personnel, an ASI (Assistant Sub Inspector) and a selection grade constable succumbed to their injuries and attained martyrdom.”

The police feared that the death toll may go up as a number of those injured in the attack were in extremely critical conditions.

Police sources said that according to preliminary reports, two militants were involved in the attack. They said that the manner of the attack suggests that the attackers were part of a ‘fidayeen’ outfit.

Modi seeks details

The Indian prime minister’s office tweeted, “Narendra Modi has sought details on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also expressed condolences to the families of those security personnel who have been martyred in the attack.”

The latest attack came just two days after terrorists killed two policemen in an attack in Bandipora in the UT.

The attack on the bus also brought alive the memory of February 14, 2019, when a convoy of central security personnel was targeted by an explosive-laden vehicle in which 40 personnel were killed.

Top leaders condemn incident, condole deaths

Top leaders of Jammu and Kashmir condoled the deaths of the police personnel.

Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha condemned the terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed. He also directed officials to provide “best possible treatment to the injured”.

“Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on Jammu and Kashmir Police bus in Srinagar. My homage to our brave martyred police personnel. We are committed to ensure that perpetrators are punished. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Sinha said in an official statement.

Speaking to Asian News International, National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah said, “This is a very unfortunate incident. I express my condolences to the Bravehearts. But it needs to be stopped. I believe that the Centre should shorten the distance from Delhi and win the heart of the people.”

Omar Abdullah, the son of Farooq Abdullah and also a former chief minister, also condemned the attack. In a tweet, he said, “Terrible news of a terror attack on a police bus on the outskirts of Srinagar. I unequivocally condemn this attack while at the same time send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured.”

Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, who has also been a former chief minister of J&K, slammed the Modi government after the incident saying its false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir stood exposed.

“Terribly sad to hear about the Srinagar attack in which two policemen were killed. The government of India's false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir stands exposed yet there has been no course correction. My condolences to the bereaved families,” she tweeted.