Former J

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

Two guards of Mr Naik were killed and another was wounded in the attack.

Two militant outfits --Islamic Front and Al-Arfeen-- have claimed responsibility for the incident.

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 Ahmad, 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 sucenmbed 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.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has condemned the attack on Mr Naik and has termed it a cowardly act.

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