Civilian, Policeman Killed in two Separate Attacks in Kashmir

Srinagar: A civilian and a policeman were killed in two separate attacks carried out by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday indicating no let up in the targeted violence that has swept the region since October this year.

Two attacks were carried out within a span of 30 minutes. In the first, at around 6:30 pm, armed assailants shot from a close range at a civilian identified as Rouf Ahmad at Merjanpora locality of Eidgah in Srinagar. According to the police, the victim was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The second attack was carried out by attackers in South Kashmir’s Bijbehara area of Anantnag district, which is about 50 km from Srinagar. The police said the militants fired “indiscriminately” at Assistant Sub Inspector of Police (ASI) Mohammad Ashraf following which he was shifted to a hospital in Srinagar. The police in a statement later said that the policeman also succumbed to his injuries.

The police have launched an investigation in both the killings and have initiated action to locate the attackers. Soon after the attacks, security across Kashmir valley was beefed up and surveillance increased to track the attackers.

Since October, militant groups in Kashmir have increased their attacks in the region indicating an up-tick in violence. In October alone, over 45 killings were reported of which over a dozen were civilians. The police and security agencies responded by launching a crackdown, during which over a 1000 persons were summoned, booked or questioned in Srinagar city. Fresh attack on Wednesday has, however, renewed concerns related to the security situation in the region.

Soon after the killing of two men, condemnations poured in from political parties and the UT administration who said that the killers will be brought to justice.

“Deeply saddened by the barbaric and cowardly terrorist act in Srinagar and Anantnag. I strongly condemn this heinous attack on civilian Rouf Ahmad & JKP officer Mohd Ashraf. The terrorists and their handlers responsible for these killings will be brought to justice soon,” Office of Lt. Governor J&K said in a statement.

The Lt. Governor added such actions will “not succeed” in undermining J&K's development journey.

The political parties including National Conference (NC), People’s Conference (PC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed their concern regarding the killings while condemning the militant action.

“Unequivocally condemn the militant attacks on ASI Muhammad Ashraf in Bijbehara and civilian Rouf Ahmad Khan in Eidgah in which both lost their lives. Our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues,” the NC said in a statement.

Even as there has been less militant related incidents reported from Jammu and Kashmir in year 2021, which according to data of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are over 200 as compared to 417 in 2018, the situation remains tense with many in the security agencies claiming further escalation is likely.

“No end in sight to this cycle of bloodshed & violence in Kashmir. Deepest condolences to their families,” PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.