29 June 2016

News Story: Militants snatch service rifle of policeman in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Suspected militants Tuesday barged inside house of a pro-Indian politician in Indian-controlled Kashmir and looted service rifle of policeman posted as security guard with him, police said.

The weapon snatching took place at village Panzan in Chadoora of Budgam district, about 21 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Officials said the suspected militants believed to be more than five in number overpowered the politician affiliated with rightwing Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and took away the service rifle of his security guard, who was not present on duty.

"Suspected militants decamped with service rifle of a policeman serving as personal security officer of BJP leader Abdul Rehman Chopan here," a police official posted in Chadoora said. "We were informed about the weapon snatching by Chopan that few gunmen barged in his house this morning and took away service rifle of policeman posted with him."

Chopan had unsuccessfully contested local elections of 2014 in the region.

Read the full story at Xinhua