Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti condemn killing of police officer in Anantnag

Meanwhile, senior police and security force officers, including Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range Vijay Kumar, paid rich tributes to Inspector Mohammad Ashraf at a wreath-laying ceremony held at District Police Lines (DPL) Anantnag late last night.

Inspector Ashraf was shot at from close range at Chandpora, Bijbehara in Anantnag last night. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Abdullah on Twitter said, "Shot emerging from a mosque after prayers. Allah Jannat naseeb karay. My condolences to his family & to his @JmuKmrPolice colleagues along with a strong condemnation of this attack."

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Mufti said, “Cycle of violence in J&K continues unabated. Condolences to his family & loved ones”.

Senior NC leader and former legislator Dr Bashir Ahmad Veri in a tweet said, "Policeman shot dead in chandpora Bijbehara."

He said, "One fails to understand the paradoxical situation in Kashmir. Whosoever fire in the name of Kashmiri martyrs a Kashmiri? Is there any end to this ruthless violence? A young police officer is assassinated."

Former Mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Junaid Azim Mutto in a tweet said, "Strongly condemn the killing of Jammu & Kashmir Police Inspector Mohammed Ashraf Bhat who lost his life in the line of duty at Anantnag. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues."