J&K cop shot five times in head and chest

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police authorities have issued a security message to its men across the restive Valley, asking them to take extra caution to avoid getting under attacks by militant.

The message was sent through various police stations and police posts in the aftermath of the murder of a cop by unidentified gunmen in southern Pulwama district early on Saturday.

Police sources said that its personnel, particularly those posted in thanas, have been asked not to venture out alone and unarmed. Police officials who are handling assignments, like investigation of some cases, have been instructed to go out only when they are escorted by armed colleagues, the sources said.

They have also been urged to ensure their safety while commuting between their places of residence and work.

Khurshid Ahmd Ganai, a ‘selection-grade’ constable of the J&K police, was shot dead by gunmen outside his home at Quil area of Pulwama at 6.15 am on Saturday. Ganai, who was staying at Pulwama’s District Police Lines for about two months, was on a brief visit to his home.

"Ganai went there on Friday evening and after spending the night with his family, he was headed back to the police lines when some unidentified men targeted him from point blank range," said a police officer on the phone from Pulwama.

The assailants shot Ganai five times in the head and chest, police and hospital sources said, adding that Ganai was dead by the time he was rushed to a hospital. The police have blamed separatist militants for his murder.

“He was martyred while he was leaving his home for duties. The gunmen fired at him from close range,” a statement issued by the police said. The deceased is survived by his wife, father and a 14-year-old son.

On Wednesday, at least 17 people, including J&K police, CRPF officers, jawans and civilian bystanders, were injured in two grenade attacks carried out in quick succession and subsequent firing by militants in Pulwama town.

The militants attack took place hours after a teenager was killed and at least 40 civilians were injured when security forces fired teargas and used pellet guns to disperse crowd participating in a pro-separatist rally in Pulwama’s Prichoo-Pinglina neighbourhood.

Pulwama and neighbouring districts of Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag have been worst hit by the ongoing agitation in the Kashmir Valley.