M A I N   N E W S

DIG shot outside Srinagar mosque

Srinagar, February 2
In the first major killing of a senior police officer since the outbreak of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, militants shot Deputy Inspector General of Police Mohammed Amin Bhat today in the compound of a mosque after the Id prayers in uptown city.

Bhat was fired upon by militants from close range with silencer-fitted pistols leaving him critically injured with three bullet wounds in the throat near a mosque in Barzulla, Senior Superintendent of Police Javed Mujtaba Gilani said.

He was rushed to the state hospital where doctors declared him “brought dead” Gilani said and added that a retired sports official, Nazir Ahmed Khan, was also injured in the incident. His condition is stated to be out of danger.

Bhat, who was serving as DIG (Crime) in Jammu and had come here to celebrate Eid with his family, was instrumental in revival of the intelligence unit of the state police during the early 90s.

A little-known militant outfit, Save Kashmir Movement, has claimed responsibility for the killing. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) K. Ranjendra told PTI that several teams had been fanned out to nab the killers.

“I wonder what kind of Jehad (armed crusade) is this. A person is shot dead after offering Eid prayers,” he said, adding “this act of cowardice will not go unpunished.”

Director General of state police Gopal Sharma rushed from Jammu to Srinagar after hearing the news.

Condemning the killing, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed in a statement from Saudi Arabia where he is leading the Indian Haj delegation, said “I am shocked to learn about the killing of Bhat. It is yet another senseless act to derail the peace process which has taken off in the state as per the sentiments of the people”.

The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.

Top ranking police officials of the state, including Sharma, also condoled the death of Bhat.

CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami termed Bhat’s killing as a “tremendous loss” to the state police and said “his killing had led to a void in the state.” — PTI

JAMMU (TNS): An army jawan, a woman and two terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Bafliaz area of the border district of Poonch today. Two others, including a soldier, were injured.

Reports said the casualties occurred as the Army personnel retaliated to the gunfire by terrorists on them from a house where they were taking shelter. The women was hit by the terrorists as she tried to flee from the house.