In a harrowing incident in Srinagar, a police officer came under fire from terrorists while engaged in a cricket game with local children at an Eidgah ground. The officer, identified as Inspector Masroor Wani, was shot at point-blank range, and he has been rushed to a hospital for treatment. The area has been swiftly cordoned off as law enforcement agencies initiate efforts to apprehend the attackers responsible for this brazen act of violence.
Preliminary information indicates that a police pistol was used in this targeted attack on Inspector Masroor Ahmad. The Kashmir Zone Police issued a statement on the incident, saying, “Terrorists fired upon and injured Inspector Masroor Ahmad near Eidgah, Srinagar. He was immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation reveals that a pistol was used in this terror crime. Area cordoned off, case registered.”
Reports from the Press Trust of India describe how Inspector Wani, while enjoying a game of cricket with local youngsters, fell victim to this act of terrorism. His condition has been deemed critical, underscoring the severity of the incident.
This attack comes in the wake of a recent escalation of violence in the region. Just days ago, a significant ceasefire violation was reported along the international border, following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021. A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel was injured in unprovoked firing and mortar shelling in the Arnia sector along the border, leading to the displacement of numerous villagers as mortar shells struck residential areas.
Highlighting the significance of the situation, high-level officials from Jammu and Kashmir and security agencies convened a meeting at the headquarters of the 15 Corps in Srinagar. The meeting focused on the role of foreign terrorists in the ongoing turmoil in Kashmir, which has emerged as a critical concern.
Recent official figures reveal a notable shift in the dynamics of terrorism in the region. Of the 46 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, 37 were identified as Pakistanis, while only nine were locals. This represents a significant departure from the usual pattern, marking the first time in the Union Territory’s 33 years of dealing with terrorism that the number of foreign terrorists eliminated has far exceeded that of locals.
Currently, around 130 terrorists are believed to be operating in the Kashmir Valley, and nearly half of them are foreign militants, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The evolving landscape of terrorism in the region presents new challenges and underscores the need for a vigilant and proactive approach to ensure peace and stability.
Sources By Agencies
