Unknown gunmen kill policeman, bystander in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Two people including a bystander were killed and two others wounded after unidentified gunmen fired upon a policeman in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Saturday.

The policeman was attacked late Friday evening at his native village Chaunchar of Kulgam district, about 70 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Two gunmen wearing masks last evening fired upon, from point-blank range, at a police constable Manzoor Ahmad who was sitting on a shopfront along with fellow villagers at his village Chaunchar," a police official posted in the district said. "Ahmad and another civilian Farooq Ahmad Dar were killed on spot, while two other civilians were wounded."

The two others civilians were immediately removed to hospital and their condition was stated to be stable.

Locals said following the attack the gunmen fled from the spot. However, the incident created panic in the area.

Reports said Ahmad had survived two bids on his life in the past.

Police officials suspect hand of militants in the attack.However, so far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. However, of late Indian policemen too have been trained to fight them.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with Indian police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-India political parties are targeted at times.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

Source : XINHUA