Cops martyred in Bajaur, Bannu attacks

Two officers killed and three injured in separate shootings

BANNU/ BAJAUR:

An officer of the Bajaur police was martyred and two others were injured when unidentified armed men opened fire in the Loi Sum area of Tehsil Khar on Wednesday.

Noorullah of the Bajaur police was on leave and heading home when the attackers opened fire on him, police said. DSP Saeedur Rehman confirmed the incident and said the injured had been shifted to Headquarters Hospital, Khar, for treatment. Police have launched an investigation and a search operation to arrest the perpetrators.

In a separate incident in Bannu, a head constable of the District Security Branch was martyred when unidentified armed men opened fire near Muslim Abad on Circular Road. The assailants fled after the attack.

According to police, the incident occurred within the limits of Cantonment police station. Head Constable Raqeebullah (No 1987), son of Badshah Zargul, resident of Sokari Zabta Khan, was targeted and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. A heavy contingent of police reached the scene and launched a search operation to arrest the suspects. The body was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital, Bannu, for post-mortem and other legal formalities.

Police said the suspects remain at large and the search operation and further investigation are underway.

Funeral prayers for the martyred officer were offered at the police lines. District Police Officer Bajaur, Deputy Commissioner, SP Investigation, police officers and personnel, civil administration officials, the martyr's family members, local elders and people from various walks of life attended in large numbers.

Addressing the gathering, the DPO Bajaur expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and said the Bajaur police would never forget the supreme sacrifices of its martyrs. "Our personnel's morale remains high in the fight against terrorism; terrorists cannot weaken our resolve," he said. He added that the Bajaur police, civil administration and security forces stood united for the establishment of peace and the protection of people's lives and property, and that operations against terrorist elements would continue with full determination.