J&K minister Sagar attacked, militants kill cop

Jammu and Kashmir Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar had a narrow escape last night as militants attacked his ancestral house in downtown Srinagar, killing one of his security guards. Sagar, one of the senior National Conference leaders who holds Rural Development and Law portfolios, was unharmed in the major attack which also left three persons—two escort security personnel and one civilian—injured. [caption id=“attachment_153740” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Jammu and Kashmir Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar had a narrow escape last night as militants attacked his ancestral house in downtown Srinagar, killing one of his security guards. AFP”]  [/caption] Sunday night’s attack is the first in recent years where a political figure has been targeted by militants in the old city area. Unidentified militants opened fire on Sagar and his entourage as soon as he arrived at his Nawab Bazaar residence Nawakadal area tonight to attend a family function, a senior police officer said. The incident occurred at around 8.15 PM. A wounded constable Gulzar Ahmad succumbed to his injuries while two other escort personnel of the minister and a civilian were injured in the firing incident, the officer said. Sagar managed to crawl to safety, official sources said. No militant outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. When contacted, Sagar told PTI, “Thanks to Almighty that I am safe. However, it’s very sad that one of my policeman died in this unfortunate incident.” He is an MLA from downtown Khanyar locality and has been on the radar of militants for long. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister of State for Home Nasir Sogami condemned the attack and directed the state police to ensure speedy investigation to bring to book the culprits. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was relieved to know that the minister was safe. “We also express our sympathies with the family of the slain cop,” PDP spokesman Nayeem Akhtar said. PTI