Firing incident in Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil leaves a police constable and a civilian dead
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA:
Two persons, including a police constable posted on polio duty, were martyred when unknown assailants opened fire on a polio team in Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil on Tuesday.
According to details, the attack took place during the anti-polio campaign when armed assailants attacked the polio team. As a result of the firing, a police officer identified as Sajjad, who was assigned to provide security to the polio workers, and a civilian were martyred on the spot.
After the incident, a large police force was sent to the area. Law enforcement agencies have launched raids at various locations to arrest those involved in the attack.
District Police Officer Waqqas Rafiq said that strict security arrangements have been made in the area during the ongoing anti-polio campaign and efforts are on to nab the suspects.
The funeral prayers for the police officer martyred in the attack were offered at the Police Lines, Civil Colony, Khar. The prayer was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, the District Police Officer and other civil and military officials.
A smartly attended police contingent presented a salute to the mortal remains of the martyred officer. The Deputy Commissioner, DPO and other civil and military officials paid tribute by placing floral wreaths on the casket.
After the funeral prayers, the body of the deceased was sent to his birthplace where he will be laid to rest with full state honours.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has strongly condemned the attack on the polio team. “The attack on the polio team is an attack on humanity and a national duty,” Chief Minister Suhail Afridi said.
The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the police officer martyred in the attack and the deceased civilians.
“Polio workers and the security personnel deployed for their protection are performing a national duty and the nation will always remember their sacrifices,” Afridi said.
The Chief Minister called the incident extremely tragic and said those involved would be brought to justice and punished according to law. He emphasized that the polio campaign aimed at protecting innocent children would not be allowed to be affected under any circumstances.
