by Saifullah Bashir
SRINAGAR: As many as 14 cops were injured when militants fired on a vehicle they were travelling in. So far, police said, two of the injured have succumbed to their injuries.
The police bus, details revealed was jam-packed with cops when it came under heavy firing during evening hours by militants. The bus was about to reach Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP) complex Zewan, when the incident took place. The bus belonged to 9th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police.
Police sources said an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Ghulam Hassan, and a Selection Grade Constable (SgCT), Safique Ali succumbed to their injuries.
The area lacks a major hospital. The one hospital that was recently set up is for Covid19. So the authorities rushed the injured to 92 base hospital Srinagar located within the 15 Corps Headquarters. It was not immediately known, whether the bus was moving out of the complex or returning to it.
Police have identified the injured as Sajad Ahmad, Rameez Ahmad, Bishamber Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, Vikas Sharma, Abdul Majeed, Mudassir Ahmad, Ravi Kanth, Showkat Ali, Arshid Ahmad, Satveer Sharma , Liaqat Ali and Aadil Ali, all are from 9th Battlion of JKAP.
According to an unsigned document that is being circulated on social media – the veracity of which was not immediately verified by this reporter, nine of the cops are admitted to 92-base hospital, three are with the MI Room at the Zewan complex, one has been shifted to police control room where a police hospital operates, and one has been shifted to Bone and Joints Hospital Barzulla. This is in addition to the two slain cops who, according to this unverified document are at the 92-Base Hospital.
Confirming the attack Kashmir Police Zone tweeted and wrote “Terrorists fired upon police vehicle near Zewan in Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar. 14 personnel were injured in the attack. All the injured personnel were evacuated to the hospital. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow.”
#SrinagarTerrorAttack: Among the injured police personnel, 01 ASI & a Selection Grade Constable #succumbed to their injuries & attained #martyrdom. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/VPe0Pwoyfy
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 13, 2021
The images of the bus which surfaced on social media give a glimpse of the intensity of the firing. The spot of attack is almost 15KM away from Srinagar City.
This attack is being seen as a major attack in recent days. This particular area is considered a high-security zone as it houses a chain of security infrastructure including the Zewan establishment of the JKAP.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has sought details of the attack. “PM @narendramodi 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,” a tweet by PMO India said.
PM @narendramodi 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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 13, 2021
Political parties have strongly reacted to the incident and expressed their condolences and prayers.
“Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on J&K 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,” Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha tweeted.
Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on J&K 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.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) December 13, 2021
“Directed the concerned authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured. I pray for their speedy recovery. Our police and security forces are determined to neutralize the evil forces of terrorism.”
Directed the concerned authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured. I pray for their speedy recovery. Our police and security forces are determined to neutralize the evil forces of terrorism.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) December 13, 2021
Reacting to the incident, President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP), Mehbooba Mufti wrote on Twitter: “Terribly sad to hear about the Srinagar attack in which two policemen were killed. GOI’s false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir stands exposed yet there has been no course correction. My condolences to the bereaved families.”
Terribly sad to hear about the Srinagar attack in which two policemen were killed. GOIs false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir stands exposed yet there has been no course correction. My condolences to the bereaved families.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 13, 2021
Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omer Abdullah tweeted: “Terrible news of terror attack o 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”
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 & prayers for the injured.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 13, 2021
Former police chief SP Vaid has said that local Police is being targeted “because the people who are creating violence understand the crucial role J&K Police plays against terrorism.”
Soon after the attack, reports said the entire belt was cordoned off and a hunt for militants was initiated. A search operation was on till the time the report was filed.
