Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Apr 26: In a major strike, a week after security forces busted a major Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) module in Sopore area of Baramulla district in North Kashmir, militants this evening struck in the militancy infested Sopore area killing four policemen.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) A G Mir said here that militants opened indiscriminate fire on a police party near Haigam on Sopore-Kupwara road this evening. “Four cops – a head constable, constable and two Special Police Officers (SPOs) were killed in the attack,” he said.
Mir said that four policemen were on their way to Haigam to probe a complaint of robbery when they were ambushed by militants in a lane of the village.
The slain policemen have been identified as head constable Abdul Rehman, constable Mudasir Ahmad and SPOs Gulshan and Mudasir Ahmad Parray.
Mir said that a phone call made to report the robbery was also being traced as police suspect this could have been a hoax to lead the police party into a trap. Sources said that Sarpanch of the village Ghulam Mohammad Mir was detained by police for questioning.
Mir said security forces have cordoned off the area to track down the militants involved in the attack. The adjacent villages have also been cordoned and massive search operation has been launched against those responsible for the killing.
Sources said that the LeT might be involved in the attack to revenge the busting of its module by the security forces by arresting top most LeT commander Qari Naveed, alias Fahadullah, last week and killing of Shabir Ahmad Sheikh alias Tameem alias Sufiyan, resident of Palhalan.
“Besides this, the LeT that received major jolt last week wanted to show its presence and the attack seems to be aimed at it”, sources said.
However, another source said that Sarpanch Ghulam Mohammad Mir told police that four militants made him to call the police from his mobile to pass on false robbery message. He has told the police that the militants were probably from Hizbul Mujahideen outfit and they fled after carrying out the attack.
Sources said that it was a well-planned trap laid by militants against police who have been on the forefront of fighting militancy in Sopore area of North Kashmir. Police and Army in joint operations have had major successes against militants especially LeT in Sopore area for past two years. They eliminated their top commanders including Abdullah Uni.
This is the first major militant strike in North Kashmir following the arrest of top LeT commander Qari Naveed, alias Fahadullah, last week and killing of Shabir Sheikh.
Sources said the militants, after killing the policemen, decamped with three service rifles of the police men.
IGP Kashmir A G Mir rushed to Sopore soon after the militant strike to assess the situation. Bodies of the four police men were brought to Sopore late in the evening.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has condemned the killing of four J&K police personnel at Haigam, Sopore describing it an act of cowards.
In a condolence message to the bereaved families and the police department, Omar has expressed his solidarity with the families and the police force. He said that police jawans sacrificed their lives for the protection and safety of the people and exhibit highest degree of bravery.
The Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
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