‘Will neutralize millitants soon involved in killing of BJP leader in Bandipora attack’: IGP Kashmir

Inspector-General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Thursday termed the killing of BJP leader along with his father and brother a “preplanned attack” by the militants.

“It seems a preplanned attack. Yesterday, after Waseem was returning from a visit to his in-laws, he had visited his home first and then his shop,” he said.
” The PSOs went to their rooms. When he visited the shop, his father and brother were already there. A militant came and fired with a pistol from close range on vital parts of the victim,” the IGP informed reporters, after examining the CCTV footage during his visit to the police station which is opposite to the slain BJP leader’s house.

“They were taken to the hospital but they succumbed to injuries. We have identified the militants. They belong to LeT and one of them is local Militant Abid and the other is a Pakistani Militant. We will neutralize them very soon,” he said.
He also said while one militant fired from the close range, the other Militant was guiding him from some distance.
“ The attack was a preplanned one. When he (Waseem) went to his in-law’s house and sat in his vehicle, CCTV shows one boy watching him, and when he returned he is again seen watching him. There is no need to worry and the militants will be neutralized soon.”
On being asked whether there was any security lapse, the IGP said after analyzing the CCTV at the police station, there was no lack of security cover.
” Two personnel from the security wing and eight from district police were deputed with them. During the time of the attack, eight police personnel were at his residence which is more than enough.”
IGP ruled out any use or vehicle in the attack and said CCTV footage shows they came by foot.
IGP said, ” Even two PSOs would have neutralized the militant. There has been a mistake from our personnel for which action is being taken,” he said
IGP said district SP has already initiated action against police personnel. ” They have already been suspended from services and they are soon being dismissed from service also. They have been arrested.”
He also said any political worker, sarpanch, or panch having any specific threat are requested to meet concerned SP and they will be provided security.
Regarding a question on whether there was a need to increase security cover of political leaders, “increased or reduced security does not matter, what matters is how alert a security jawan (personnel) is and how bravely he fights. Eight men are  enough.” (KNS)