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.

A guard of Mr Naik was killed and two others were wounded in the attack.

Islamic Front has 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 area of was immediately cordoned off and reinforcement was rushed in.

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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