J&K: Terrorists shoot dead 3 policemen after abducting them
What's the story
Terrorists shot dead three policemen after abducting them from Shopian district of J&K early today, police said. The bodies were recovered from an orchard in Wangam area, over 1km from the village the policemen were abducted from. Police identified the dead as constable Nissar Ahmed and two special police officers, Firdous Ahmed and Kulwant Singh, from Kapren and Heepora areas of Shopian. Here's more.
Information
Batagund villagers chased terrorists, urged them not to abduct policemen
Police said Batagund village's residents had chased the terrorists and urged them not to abduct the policemen, but the militants fired a few shots in the air and threatened the villagers. They said the terrorists crossed a river in the area and shot dead policemen.
Responsibility
Hizbul Mujahideen group claimed responsibility for abduction and killing
Nissar Ahmed was working with the armed police while Firdous Ahmed, who was under the process of being converted to constable, served in the Railways. Kulwant Singh was posted with Kulgam police. The terrorists also kidnapped the brother of a police constable, but he was released later. A Twitter handle purportedly belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen group has claimed responsibility for the abduction and killing.
Information
Terrorists had earlier abducted relatives of policemen
The policemen were abducted nearly three weeks after terrorists had abducted relatives of policemen from various places in south Kashmir on August 30. The relatives were later released. At least eight people whose relatives worked in Jammu and Kashmir Police were abducted.
Deadline
Hizbul Mujahideen issued three-day deadline to release terrorists' relatives
Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo had purportedly claimed responsibility for the abductions in a 12-minute video, issuing a three-day deadline for release of all relatives of terrorists who were in police custody. The August 30 abductions happened after National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the second son of globally-wanted terrorist Syed Salahuddin, Hizbul Mujahideen head. Salahuddin's son was arrested on charges of receiving secret funds.