Police officer killed in encounter in Kashmir

A police officer was killed and three cops injured in an encounter with militants in Sopore town of north Kashmir today. The police, assisted by the army, launched an anti-militancy operation in Chanakhan area of Sopore, 55 kms from here, following information about presence of militants in the area, a police spokesman said.

As the security forces were closing on a house where the militants were hiding, the ultras opened indiscriminate firing on them, he said. Four police personnel were injured in the militant firing, the spokesman said, adding the area has been cordoned off and additional security forces have been rushed to prevent the militants from escaping.

The injured were taken to the army's 92 Base Hospital where Assistant Sub-Inspector Kafeel Ahmad succumbed to his wounds, he said.

The other injured have been identified as constables Manzoor Ahmad, Zakir Ahmad and Irfan Ahmad.

Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony was organised for the slain ASI at District Police Lines here. A guard of honour was presented and floral wreaths were laid on the coffin of the officer by police, security forces and civil administration officers and jawans. Ahmad is survived by two minor children, wife and an elderly mother.