Asia-Pacific

Militants kill policeman in Indian-controlled Kashmir

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-08 15:04

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir - Suspected militants Wednesday shot dead an Indian policeman in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The attack was carried out Wednesday morning in Sopore town of Baramulla district, 50 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Suspected militants shot dead a policeman this morning in Sopore town," said a police official.

"Though he was removed to hospital immediately, however doctors declared him brought dead," he added.

The assailants escaped from the spot soon after the attack.

The slain policeman was identified as Manzoor Ahmad Najar of village Ajas in Bandipora.

Locals said the policeman was in civvies at the time of attack.

The shootout triggered panic in the area and people were seen fleeing from the spot.

Reports said the contingents of police and paramilitary troopers rushed to the spot and a manhunt was launched to trace the assailants.

So far, no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On Monday, a businessman from Sopore town was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Srinagar city. The police spokesman said they were looking into all the angles of this crime, the criminal conspiracy in the particular case.

The region's police chief Kuldeep Khoda Tuesday stated nearly 250 to 300 militants were present in Muslim majority areas of the region.