Pattan, Dec 2, KNT: A CRPF jawan from North Kashmir’s Pattan area was among the 14 Central Reserve Police Force personnel killed in a Naxal ambush in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Monday.
The slain jawan has been identified as Muhammad Shafi Bhat, son of Mehrajuddin Bhat, a resident of Buran Pattan in Baramulla district. Family members said he had joined the CRPF six years ago and had been posted in different parts of the country during his service.
“We were informed by police officials that Muhammad Shafi has also fallen victim to the Naxal attack,” his father said.
Officials said Maoists carried out a major ambush on CRPF personnel when they were returning to their camp in Sukma, killing 14 personnel, including two officers, and injuring at least 12 others.
News of Shafi’s death triggered grief in his native area, with scores of locals visiting the bereaved family to offer condolences and express solidarity.
He is survived by his wife, two children and elderly parents. [KNT]
