SHO killed, 2 cops hurt in Kashmir militant attack

A police officer was killed and two of his junior colleagues injured in a militant attack on Monday at Chadoora village in Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

A police officer was killed and two of his junior colleagues injured in a militant attack on Monday at Chadoora village in Budgam district of Central Kashmir.

A police spokesman confirmed the death of station house officer (SHO) Shabir Ahmed in close-range firing upon his patrol squad (a new militant strategy) at Chadoora's main market.

The gunmen fled after the assault and police cordoned off the area. No militant group, so far, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Director general of police (DGP) Ashok Prasad had said recently that militants had changed strategy to more audacious and better-planned attacks on the security forces.

"The militant attacks where common people were also killed have come down. They are targeting police and the other security forces in a planned manner," Prasad had said, adding: "We will also have to strike back with maximum effectiveness and minimum impact on common people."

Prasad had said the police had strict instructions to follow the standard operating procedures of engagement. Overall violence in the Kashmir region has been waning but authorities fear a surge, since they have inputs that militants have made fresh recruitment.