Srinagar: Militants opened fire at the residence of a PDP leader in the Natipora area of the city on Monday, killing his personal security officer.
Haji Parvaiz Bhat, the militant-turned-PDP leader, escaped the attack unhurt.
Bhat said militants dressed in ‘pheran’ (traditional Kashmiri cloak worn during winter) and armed with AK rifles came to his residence (at Astan Mohalla Natipora) and fired at the PSO, who reportedly had gone to fetch milk.
He also fired some shots making the attackers to flee, sources said.
The PSO was identified as SgCt Manzoor Ahmad of 11th Bn Security. He was critically injured and rushed to nearby Bones and Joints Hospital for treatment, a police official said.
He said the policeman succumbed to injuries.
Bhat claimed that it was third attack on his life since he joined mainstream politics. He was earlier a militant of Hizbul Mujahideen.
“The government has downgraded my security. I don’t know what would have been the fate of my family if the alert PSO had not opened fire,” Bhat told reporters at his residence.
He claimed that his security detail was reduced last year and he now had only two PSOs compared to five earlier.
Meanwhile, PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti, condemned the attack on PDP leader’s residence and killing of the PSO.
“Strongly condemn the attack on PDPs Haji Parvez. J&K admin has left opposition leaders in a vulnerable position by downgrading their security. Lapses are likely to occur since protection given is inadequate. My heartfelt condolences to Manzoor Ahmed’s family,” Mehbooba tweeted.
JKNC, JKPC, CPI(M) and JKAP also condemned the attack and the killing of PSO.
