A policeman was killed as militants made a bid on the life of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Haji Pervez Ahmad in Srinagar on Monday morning.
An official said the unidentified gunmen approached the gate of Mr. Ahmad’s residence and opened fire on a Personal Security Officer (PSO) guarding the house and tried to barge into the premises in Srinagar's Natipora area.
“If my second PSO had not retaliated, they would have managed to get inside”, Mr. Ahmad, who contested the 2008 Assembly polls, said.
The deceased, identified as constable Manzoor Ahmad, was left injured in the attack. He died of his abdomen injuries at a nearby hospital.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged that there was downgrading of security of party leaders. “I strongly condemn the attack. The J&K administration has left Opposition leaders in a vulnerable position by downgrading their security. Lapses are likely to occur since protection given is inadequate”, she tweeted.
DGP’s clarification
Responding to Ms. Mufti's allegation, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said the PDP leader was beforehand asked by the police “to shift the location because of the congested area being prone to militant attacks”.
Mr. Singh said, “The leader regularly violated security advisories. We reviewed his security and found there was need for a PSO and provided two”.
The attack was an attempt to disrupt the ongoing peaceful District Development Council polls, he stated. “The police have laid their hands on some clues on the number of militants involved and the route used. The attackers will soon be brought to book,” he added.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in a tweet, said: “I condemn the cowardly attack and salute the supreme sacrifice. May his soul rest in peace”.
