Former JK speaker injured in militant attack

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

A guard of Mr Naik was killed and another guard injured.

Official sources said militants fired upon Mr Naik near the crowded bus stand at Tral, about 40 km from here in south Kashmir.

Mr Naik, former Member of Parliament, was injured after a bullet hit his face.

One guard of Mr Naik was killed and another was wounded in the attack, sources said.

Mr Naik was immediately shifted to Sub-District hospital, Tral, sources said adding he was later shifted to Srinagar.

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

Unconfirmed reports said about ten other civilians were injured in the shootout.

A large number of people present in the bus stand ran for safety, sources said adding the area was immediately cordoned off and reinforcement rushed in.

Reports said firing shots could be heard from the area. However, this could not be confirmed by the officials.

Senior civil, security force and police officials have rushed to the site.

UNI