In brazen terror attack, unarmed cop killed; daughter injured in Soura
9-year-old daughter rushed to save father, was shot at too
LG, NC, PC, Congress condemn terror attack
Srinagar: A police constable was shot dead and his nine-year-old daughter injured when terrorists fired indiscriminately at them outside their home in Soura on the outskirts of the city, officials said here.
Constable Saifullah Qadri, who was on leave, was fired upon by terrorists outside his home in Soura, officials said.
“Terrorists fired at Constable Qadri outside his house at Ganaie Mohalla in Anchar area of Soura in Srinagar district,” an official said.
His 9-year old daughter was also shot at, when she came running to her father’s rescue, a police official said.
“Our personnel Saifullah Qadri got martyred in a cowardly terror attack outside his home in Soura while he was on leave. His 9 year old daughter was also shot in arm by terrorists while she came to rescue him,” Srinagar Police tweeted.
“Qadri and his daughter were shifted to the nearby SKIMS hospital, where he succumbed to injuries,” the official added. The child suffered a bullet injury in her right hand and is out of danger.
It is the second terror attack wherein unarmed policeman was shot at in front of his child.
Earlier, in south Kashmir a policeman was killed while he alongwith his child was waiting for the school bus.
Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Vijay Kumar expressed grief over the killing and said police teams have been sent to adjoining areas to nab the culprits. “We will soon get them,” he said.
While talking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony of slain policeman, the IGP said that the militants have shown the most inhuman face by attacking Saifullah and his minor daughter.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, National Conference, People’s Conference and Congress condemned the police constable’s killing.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and assured that those behind the attack will not go unpunished.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Soura, Srinagar. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. I salute the martyr Policeman SgCt Saifullah Qadri. His service to the nation and supreme sacrifice will always be remembered.
“My thoughts are with the bereaved family. I pray for the speedy recovery of his daughter,” LG tweeted.
National Conference vice president, Omar Abdullah alsi condemned the attack.
“I unequivocally condemn this attack on Constable Saifullah Qadri of J&K police in which he lost his life. The cowardly attackers not only killed Const. Qadri but also injured his 7 year old daughter, who I understand is out of danger.
“May Allah grant Const Qadri place in Jannat & may his family find strength to bear this great loss. A special prayer for the injured daughter for a quick & complete recovery,” Omar wrote on his Twitter handle.
People’s Conference led by Sajad Lone also condemned the killing of the cop.
“Heartfelt condolences with the family of policeman Saifulla who was fired upon by terrorists killing him & injuring his daughter in broad daylight at capital Srinagar. May the departed soul find peace in heaven & prayers for the injured daughter,” the party said in a tweet.
Strongly condemning the attack, JKPCC Chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said that such targetted attacks are part of a nefarious design but the forces behind such attacks shall never succeed.
“The government must check such attacks and ensure the safety and security of innocent Citizens in Kashmir,” Sharma added.
On May 7, militants shot dead a policeman at Aiwa bridge, close to the Anchar locality, while another policeman was shot dead in Pulwama district on May 13.
Colleagues pay tributes to the martyr during wreath laying ceremony. Photo-Javed Khan/Kashmir Images
