Conflict

Bandipora BJP leader killed in preplanned attack, militants identified: IGP

Srinagar: Reacting to the killing of a Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and his family members in Bandipora district last evening, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Thursday said that militants who carried the attack have been identified and investigations have been taken up.

He said that killing the BJP leader Sheikh Wasim along his father Bashir Ahmad and brother Umer Bashir, was a “preplanned attack” by the militants.

Answering a gathering of media reporters in Srinagar, IGP said that soon after the incident occurred, police reached on spot and checked the CCTV footage through which it came to fore that it was a preplanned attack carried out by two militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit.

The incident occurred at round 7:45 pm, when Wasim was returned after visiting his in-laws. The police chief said he visited his home first and then his shop. “But within no time, a militant appeared and fired with pistol from a close range thus injuring the vital parts of BJP leader, a former district president of the party for Bandipora, his father and brother”.

He said the trio was hit on their vital parts. They were taken to hospital but succumbed on their way.

“We express grief. We have identified the militant. He is a member of Lashker-e-Toiba. There is one Pakistani militant and one local militant namely Abid. Police and army will very soon neutralize him,” IGP told reporters.

When asked whether there was any security lapse, he said that after analyzing the CCTV footage at police station, there was no lack of security. “Two personnel were from security wing and eight from district police. At the time of attack, there were eight personnel at his residence which is more than enough.”

IGP added that even two PSOs would have fought back but there was also a mistake from the PSOs for which action is being taken. “Local superintendent of police has already suspended them and they are being dismissed from service. They are already under arrest,” he said.

He said one among the two militants who attacked the BJP leader and his family came little closer to the spot and the other one was signalling him from a close distance.

IGP said that it was also analysed that when Wasim had gone to visit his in-laws one boy was following him. He added that in case any political leader or village heads like Panch or Sarpanch feels threat, they can approach to their concerned Superintends of Police for the security cover.

 

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