New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought details on the terror attack on a police bus in Srinagar, which left two cops dead, even as political parties condemned the incident. Twelve policemen were injured in the incident, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Parliament attack.
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister's Office said, "PM @narendramodi has sought details on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also expressed condolences to the families of those security personnel who have been martyred in the attack."
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, denounced the attack and said that the offenders would be punished. An offshoot of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, Kashmir Tigers, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
"Directed the concerned authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. I pray for their speedy recovery. Our police and security forces are determined to neutralise the evil forces of terrorism," Sinha tweeted.
Terrorists Open Fire On Police Bus In Srinagar's Zewan Area
Terrorists attacked a bus transporting Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police soldiers on the outskirts of Srinagar this evening, killing two police officers.
Terrorists opened fire on the bus in Zewan, near Pantha Chowk. As per police officials, at least 14 personnel of the ninth battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police sustained injuries in the attack. The injured were evacuated to various hospitals where two of them died.
One of the victims was an armed police assistant sub-inspector.
Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Question Centre
Condemning the attack, National Conference (NC) vice-president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Terrible news of a terror attack on a police bus on the outskirts of Srinagar. I unequivocally condemn this attack while at the same time send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers for the injured."
NC Chief Farooq Abdullah expressed his condolences, saying, "I urge the Govt that if these things have to be brought to their end, then they should speak of winning hearts. If they win hearts, these things won't happen."
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti said while the attack on policemen was terribly sad, it exposed the Centre's false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir .
"Terribly sad to hear about the Srinagar attack in which two policemen were killed. GOIs false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir stands exposed yet there has been no course correction. My condolences to the bereaved families," Mufti tweeted.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina condemned the attack and said "the coward Pakistani terrorists will have to pay a heavy price for it".
"The Pakistani coward terrorists have once again shed innocent blood by attacking a police vehicle. They do not have the courage to fight our forces directly and are instead carrying out attacks clandestinely," Raina said.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) termed the attack a "mindless and inhuman act" and urged the government to identify the gunmen and give them exemplary punishment.
A JKPCC spokesman said the security situation had deteriorated to the largest extent and the government must take measures to contain loss of lives.