Ultras open fire, close shave for BJP leader
SRINAGAR : A gunfight began in Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar on Thursday after militants fired upon the security officer of a Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and tried to escape, officials said.
Mohammad Anwar Khan, BJP general secretary of district Baramulla, was visiting Arsh Institute Of Health Science And Technology in Khonmoh when the incident happened.
"The personal security officers (PSOS) of Khan repulsed the attack while exhibiting extreme caution to avoid any collateral damage forcing the militants to flee from the spot," a police statement said.
One PSO namely Bilal Ahmad has sustained minor injuries, the statement added.
Ahmad was rushed to a hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable, a police official said.
According to latest reports, a gunfight started after police chased the attackers and cordoned off the area.
"As per recent update, contact has been established, militants are hold up. Police have registered a case under the relevant sections and investigation is in progress," the statement said.
DGP SAYS TERRORISTS TRAPPED
State Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid confirmed the incident, saying an operation was going on to flush out the terrorists.
“Three terrorists are trapped in an undisclosed location and engaged in an exchange of fire after an unsuccessful attempt of weapon-snatching from the PSO of a protected person,” he said.
Another police personnel was reportedly injured in the exchange of fire with the terrorists, but officials did not confirm it.
The BJP is part of the ruling alliance in J&K led by chief minister Mehboba Mufti of the PDP.