Cop Shot Dead In Jammu And Kashmir's Anantnag By Terrorists

A Jammu and Kashmir police officer was killed in the line of duty when he was fired upon by terrorists in Anantnag, said the police.

Head constable Ali Mohammad was shot at around 5.35 pm near his residence at Hasanpora in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag, a police official said.

The constable was shifted to a hospital in critical condition where he succumbed.

The area has been cordoned off and a hunt launched to find the terrorists, the official said.

Political parties and leaders condemned the attack.

"Violence in any of its manifestations is always unacceptable and will yield nothing except further death and destruction. The vicious cycle of death has caused much loss to human lives in J-K while devastating the socio-economic conditions of the people during the last over three decades. It is high time for such incidents to be stopped now. My heartfelt sympathies are with the bereaved family," Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president, said.

Omar Abdullah, former J&K Chief Minister, tweeted, "Very sorry to hear about the death in the line of duty of HC Ali Mohd Ganie. I unreservedly condemn this attack while at the same time sending my heartfelt condolences to his family & loved ones. Allah Jannat naseeb karey, Ameen."

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the people of J-K are victims of a "senseless cycle of violence".

"Deepest condolences to his family & loved ones. People of J&K are victims of this senseless cycle of violence that keeps claiming innocent lives," she said on Twitter.

The BJP's J&K unit also condemned the attack.

BJP general secretary, organisation, Ashok Koul, termed the killing as "barbaric and a cowardly act" which has no place in a civilised society.

The act deserves strong condemnation by all without any caste, creed or religion, Mr Koul said.