Five persons, including two cops killed in Kulgam militant attack

Two policemen, two civilians and a militant were killed after ultras attacked a police party in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district late on Saturday evening.

Sources said militants attacked the policemen who were clearing traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Mir Bazar in Kulgam, about 60 km from here. Seven people, including four policemen, were injured.

They were rushed to hospitals, where two policemen, including an officer, and two civilians succumbed to injuries. One militant was also killed in retaliatory action by security forces. State police chief S P Vaid said a live grenade was recovered from the possession of a slain militant.

The identities of the slain policemen and civilians could not be ascertained immediately. One of the militants killed has been identified as Fayaz Ahmed alias Setha, who was wanted by the NIA in Udhampur terror.

Local media quoting sources said the police party had reached the spot after a road accident on the highway. Before the police party could start rescue operation, it was attacked by militants.

Reports said security forces cordoned off the area and started a search operation. The attack occurred just a day after a massive anti-militancy operation was carried out by security forces in neighbouring Shopian district.

Meanwhile, in a late night order, the state government ordered transfers of various district police chiefs. The order was issued just a day ahead of the biennial Darbar Move in Srinagar.