Two close aides of MLA Habba Kadal killed, another injured, Abdullahs, Mehbooba express pain

Police however said that the duo was killed by the militants.
The two slain NC workers were identified as Nazir Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Pamposh Colony Noorbagh and Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat resident Karafali Mohalla area of Kani Kadal.
The duo according to the locals was killed near Mushtaq’s residence.
Another person who was accompanying them has sustained injuries. The injured civilian was identified as Shakeel Ahmad who according to police is stated to be stable.
The trio after being attacked by the militants was rushed to the hospital for treatment, police said, adding that two among them succumbed to their injuries.
Soon after the attack took place, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Ismail and other top police officials reached the spot.
SSP Srinagar while talking to reports said that they are ascertaining the details. “It is interior area and we are looking into the matter,” he said.
While admitting the killing of two persons, SSP Srinagar said that the duo was having some political affiliation and they are ascertaining it.
Meanwhile, police in a statement issued to KNS said it has registered a case and initiated investigation into the instant matter.
The attack comes three days before the election for Municipal polls are scheduled in Srinagar.
Hundreds of people also participated in the funeral prayers of slain workers.
Meanwhile, the security in Srinagar was beefed up in Srinagar following the attack on NC workers.
Witnesses said that frisking was intensified at various places in Srinagar during which police and paramilitary forces checked vehicles and identity cards of commuters.
Meanwhile, National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah condemned the killing of two of their party workers.
Abdullahs expressed profound grief over the killing of two party workers.
Omar Abdullah also took to the social networking blog and to condemn the killings.
“I cannot condemn strongly enough the murderous terrorist attack against three of my party workers. Nazir Ahmed Bhat (working in the office of MLA Shamima Firdous) & Mushtaq Ahmed Wani have been killed. Allah Jannat naseeb karey,” Omar tweeted.
He said another NC worker Shakeel Ahmad Zangoo has been injured and is in hospital.
“I pray for his complete & speedy recovery. May the families of Nazir, Mushtaq & Shakeel find strength in this most difficult time,” Omar tweeted.
Meanwhile, former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the killing of duo NC workers.
“Pained to hear about the killing of two NC workers. My heart goes out to their families & children. Cannot possibly imagine what they must be going through,” Mehbooba tweeted.