Residents of Anchar Soura, many among them children, watch blood stained spot where policeman fell to the bullets of gunmen on Tuesday | KO photo by Abid Bhat
Saifullah Qadri 3rd Policeman Killed In Last 19 Days
Srinagar- Unidentified militants on Tuesday shot dead a policeman and injured his minor daughter in a broad daylight attack in Soura area of this capital city, officials said.
Around 5:00 pm Tuesday, unknown pistol-borne militants appeared in Ganai Mohalla in Soura area and fired shots from point blank range at the police constable Saifullah Qadri who was leaving home to drop his nine -year-old daughter for tuition, officials said.
In the attack, Qadri and his daughter Safa sustained gunshot injuries. Both of them were removed to the nearby SK institute of medical science (SKIMS) for treatment. However, Qadri, who had sustained multiple gunshot injuries in the militant attack, was declared brought dead by the doctors.
“He had received bullets in his chest and neck. He had already passed away when brought to the hospital,” SKIMS Medical Superintendent, Dr Farooq Jan told Kashmir Observer.
However, Qadri’s daughter who has received bullet injury in her wrist is stable.
Qadri is second policeman from Srinagar, and third from the Valley killed by militants in over a fortnight. On May 7, Constable Ghulam Hassan Dar, working as a driver in the newly introduced Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), was shot dead by militants near Aiwa Bridge along the busy Dr Ali Jan road.
A week later, Constable Reyaz Ahmad Thoker was shot dead inside his house in Gudoora village on May 13.
“Qadri was with his daughter Safa when militants fired at him at a point blank range outside his house. Safa may not have been on the target of the militants as the initial report suggests that when the first bullet hit Qadri, his daughter may have anxiously hugged her father and in the same breath, the second bullet supposedly for Saifullah, hit her right arm,” a police source told Kashmir Observer.
The initial probe, the source noted, also suggests that at least 3 militants may have been involved in this incident.
As per sources, Qadri, who was currently serving in the J&K Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), was fired at least 4 times from a pistol at a point blank range.
If sources are to be believed, then several SOG personnel including Qadri had already been warned to avoid visiting home for a few days.
“However, it looks like Qadri could no longer stay away from his daughter and went back to his home, ignoring the issued warning,” The source said.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued here, a police spokesperson said that it has been learnt that militants fired indiscriminately upon Saifullah Qadri outside his house, leaving him and his daughter injured.
Qadri, he said, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital while the condition of his daughter is stated to be stable.
“Police has registered a case under relevant sections of law and initiated investigation. Officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of the terror crime while the whole area has been cordoned off with the help of reinforcement and search in the area is going on,” the spokesperson said.
Talking to journalists on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony of slain policeman, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said that the “perpetrators of this barbaric terror act” will be brought to justice very soon.
He also said that entire society including families of the militants should condemn the attacks on unarmed policeman and her nine-year-old daughter.
“We pay our rich tributes to the martyr for his supreme sacrifice made in the line of duty and stand by his family at this crucial juncture,” Kumar said.
LG, Omar Condemn Killing
Meanwhile Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday condemned the killing of a policeman in Soura area of the city.
National Conference, Congress, People’s Conference also condemned the police constable’s killing.
Constable Saifullah Qadri was shot dead and his nine -year-old daughter injured when MILITANTS fired indiscriminately at them outside their home in Soura on the outskirts of the city, officials said here.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Soura, Srinagar. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. I salute the martyr Policeman SgCt Saifullah Qadri. His service to the nation and supreme sacrifice will always be remembered,” LG Sinha tweeted.
“My thoughts are with the bereaved family. I pray for the speedy recovery of his daughter,” he added.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also condemned the killing.
“I unequivocally condemn this attack on Constable Saifullah Qadri of J&K police in which he lost his life.The cowardly attackers not only killed Const. Qadri but also injured his 7 year old daughter, who I understand is out of danger.
“May Allah grant Const Qadri a place in Jannat & may his family find strength to bear this great loss. A special prayer for the injured daughter for a quick & complete recovery,” Omar tweeted.
The People’s Conference led by Sajad Lone consoled the killing of the cop.
“Heartfelt condolences with the family of policeman Saifulla who was fired upon by terrorists killing him & injuring his daughter in broad daylight at capital Srinagar. May the departed soul find peace in heaven & prayers for the injured daughter,” the party said in a tweet.
Congress also condemned the attack on a police cop, daughter in Soura, Srinagar.
Strongly condemning the attack, JKPCC Chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma has said that such targetted attacks are part of a nefarious design but the forces behind such attacks shall never succeed.
“The government must check such attacks and ensure the Safety and security of innocent Citizens in kashmir,” Sharma added.
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