6 cops killed this year in Kashmir: Son of a labourer, a part-time Imam

This time, they are facing allegations of using excessive force against those protesting the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. But then, on the other side are the stories of six policemen who lost their lives this year — five killed by militants in three separate attacks and Lone.

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From a 37-year-old who left behind a pregnant wife to the sole breadwinner of a family, from a part-time imam to the driver trapped inside his vehicle, The Indian Express tracks their stories.

Mohammad Sidiq Sheikh

A resident of Machil, a border town in Kupwara, Sheikh was the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of local politician Mohammad Abdullah Chatwal. On May 23, Sheikh was shot at point-blank range by militants at Tengpora in Srinagar while on duty. The 37-year-old’s wife was eight months pregnant at the time.

Ghulam Mohammad Bhat

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Bhat had served the force for more than 40 years when he was shot dead by militants at Zadibal, Srinagar, on May 23. A resident of Surigam village in Kupwara, Bhat, who was the sole breadwinner of his family, left behind a wife, three daughters and two sons — two of his daughters are unmarried.

Nazir Ahmad Mir

Head Constable Mir was shot at point-blank range by militants at Zadibal. A resident of Check Sarmarg in north Kashmir’s Handwara, Mir had served the force for 24 years. He is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter. His children are students.

Bashir Ahmad Ahangar

Ahangar’s killing by militants in Anantnag on June 4 sparked a rare public outcry. Hailing from Tral, the hometown of Burhan Wani, Ahangar had shifted to Logripora Ashmuqam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. He was also a member of the local awkaf committee and used to lead prayers in a local mosque whenever the imam was absent. Ahangar left behind his wife and an 11-year-old son.

Riyaz Ahmad

A police constable, Riyaz Ahmad was killed by militants on June 4 along with Ahangar. Riyaz was a resident of Uttersoo village in south Kashmir’s Shangus. He was survived by wife (30), an 11-year-old son and two daughters, one nine and the other seven. He also left behind his aged parents and an unmarried sister.

Afroz Ahmad Lone

Lone, 23, was a Special Police Officer (SPO). On July 11, his vehicle was surrounded by protesters at Sangam bridge in Bijbehara who pushed it into the Jhelum. While the other policemen managed to escape, Afroz remained trapped inside. Afroz leaves behind his father, a labourer, mother and four sisters.