Two cops killed in pre-dawn attacks in Kashmir

Two policemen were killed and six security personnel injured in twin-pre dawn attacks on security forces in south Kashmir districts of Pulwama and Anantnag on Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Pulwama) Mohammad Aslam Choudhary said three policemen, guarding a government building, were attacked by militants in Pulwama town during the early hours of Tuesday.

Two policemen were killed and another suffered injuries in the attack, Choudhary told DH. The injured policeman Manzoor Ahmad has been shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar for treatment. The deceased have been identified as constables Ghulam Rasool and Ghulam Hassan.

Sources said the militants, after carrying out the deadly attack, decamped with two service rifles of the slain cops. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation has been launched to nab the assailants.

Earlier, five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured in a grenade attack by militants in neighbouring Anantnag district.

“Militants hurled a grenade on CRPF party at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag. Five CRPF personnel suffered minor injuries," a police spokesman said

He said all the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment where their condition is stated to be stable

Since May 17, after New Delhi announced a unilateral ceasefire, during the holy month of Ramzan, militants have carried out dozens of attacks on the security forces' installations, police patrols and on the houses of political leaders. Several security personnel have been killed while dozens have been injured.

The latest attacks took place on the holiest Muslim night of 'Shab-e-Qadar' when devotees pray for penance and peace. The prayers started around 10.30 pm on Monday and culminated around 4 am on Tuesday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week, after his two-day visit to the state, said that the Center will soon take a decision whether to extend Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu & Kashmir after reviewing and assessing the security situation of the state.