Ex J

Srinagar, Apr 17 (UNI) Former Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Ali Mohammad Naik was injured while his two guards were killed in a militant attack in south Kashmir today.

Two guards of Mr Naik were killed and another was wounded in the attack which was condemned by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, National Conference (NC) patron Dr Farooq Abdullah and its president Omar Abdullah.

Two militant outfits, Islamic Front and Al-Arfeen have claimed responsibility for the incident. The NC has demanded inquiry into the incident.

Elsewhere in the state three militants were killed and another surrendered while security forces busted three hideouts and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition overnight.

Official sources said militants fired at Mr Naik near a crowded bus stand at Tral, about 40 kms from here in south Kashmir, when he was on his way to his relative's home.

Mr Naik, a former MP, was injured after a bullet hit him on his face.

Constable Nazir Ahmed, a guard of Mr Naik, was killed in the incident and two others, including a head constable were injured in the attack, sources said. The injured were admitted to hospital where head constable Abdul Ahad succumbed to his injuries.

Later, the area was cordoned off after rushing reinforcement there. However, the militants managed to escape.

Mr Naik was immediately shifted to Sub-District hospital, Tral and was later to SMHS hospital here where he underwent an operation, sources added.

Mr Naik, who served as a minister in different governments, was a close associate of the late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

MORE UNI BAS ARB KN1921