Terrorist Attack on Off-Duty J&K Police Inspector During Cricket Game in Srinagar
In a distressing incident, off-duty Jammu and Kashmir police inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani was critically injured during a terrorist attack while playing cricket with friends in downtown Srinagar. The assailant, identified as Basit Dar from Kulgam, is linked to the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba’s covert branch, The Resistance Force. This marks the first attack on an off-duty officer in the region this year. Wani sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen, neck, and eye and was swiftly transported to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, where his condition remains grave.
Regrettably, this is not an isolated occurrence, as several off-duty J&K policemen were targeted and killed by terrorists in 2022, with 10 such incidents reported. Furthermore, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of 19 security personnel in the Union territory until September, with eight fatalities in Kashmir and 11 in Jammu.
The attacker, associated with the ‘Falcon Squad’ of The Resistance Force, unleashed a barrage of gunshots at the 35-year-old Wani, who is stationed at the district police lines. Authorities swiftly identified the terrorist as Basit Dar, a resident of Kulgam in south Kashmir, who has been operational for a considerable period and is believed to be acting on instructions from handlers across the border.
Kashmir range additional DGP Vijay Kumar disclosed that the terrorist used a Turkish revolver during the assault. The area has been cordoned off, and multiple search teams are diligently working to locate the attacker. The ADGP expressed confidence in capturing him swiftly.
Reports indicate that Basit Dar is a “most wanted” terrorist with involvement in numerous heinous acts of terrorism. The Resistance Force claimed responsibility for the attack, citing their prior warning to Wani and accusing him of mistreating local civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.
Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/srinagar/off-duty-police-inspector-shot-at-while-playing-cricket-in-srinagar-critical/articleshow/104808680.cms
Edited : Sakshi Semwal