Fayaz Bukhari

Srinagar: The murder of four cops in Shopian district of South Kashmir a week after Eid is a chilling reminder of the grave security scenario ahead of Panchayat elections which will be held by the end of the year.

Members of Industrialists Association Khonmoh-Srinagar protesting against the revocation of articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution

Four policemen were killed at village Arhama in South Kashmir’s Shopian district on August 29. The escort party of the DSP had gone to the area to repair a police vehicle when they were attacked. The cops were at the workshop for an hour, thus giving militants enough time to plan the killings.

This major attack on the police comes a week after three policemen including an officer were killed by militants while two others escaped. This happened on Eid day. The cops had gone home to celebrate Eid with their families and were targeted by the militants.  Director General of Police (DGP) S.P. Vaid said they had ignored the advisory against going home unprotected. “Both had ignored the advisory issued time and again asking policemen not to go home without seeking permission and unprotected,” he said.

Militants have also abducted half a dozen relatives of policemen in South Kashmir. These abductions were done after security forces arrested Asadullah Naikoo, father of Hizbul Mujahideen top commander Riyaz Naikoo, from Baighpora in South Kashmir.

Hizbul commander Naikoo has warned those planning to contest the upcoming Panchayat elections. He has said that they should bring shrouds along with election forms and be ready for acid attacks. In an audio message uploaded on a militant w