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Militants disarm policemen manning Kashmir's Pandit village
Raising serious questions over security to the minority community in Kashmir, suspected militants disarmed police personnel manning Pandit-majority village in south Kashmir's Shopian district.
Raising serious questions over security to the minority community in Kashmir, suspected militants disarmed police personnel manning Pandit-majority village in south Kashmir's Shopian district.
Locals told the Hindustan Times that the militants alighted on Friday afternoon near village Padgachoo village of Shopian district, 58 km south of Srinagar, and raided a police post.
"The Pandits living here never migrated," said a villager.
Confirming the attack, south Kashmir deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Vijay Kumar said two militants had entered the police post and snatched the service rifles.
"Four constables were posted at the post when militants approached it around 1pm," said Kumar.
Three constables had gone for Friday prayer, while one was in a bathroom when the incident took place.
Announcing a thorough probe in the incident, Kumar said a case has been filed against policemen who were absent from the duty.
He said action would be taken against the policemen.
The incident reflects heightened activity in Shopian district.
"The number has declined but a few militants are still present in the district," said Kumar.
The village houses six Pandit families, comprising 25 people.
In 1990, thousands of Pandit families migrated from Kashmir Valley when militancy started and settled in Jammu and other parts of the country. However, more than 1,100 families are still living in the valley. According to officials, 209 Pandits have been killed during the militancy in the state.
As a precautionary measure, the Pandit-majority villages are being provided round the clock security. The police have assured the community full protection.
"They need not panic," said the police officer.
Security has already been upgraded in the area with a contingent of police and paramilitary troops rushed to the village.
"A manhunt has been started and also a search to recover the weapons," said a police officer on condition of anonymity.
