(Image source from: Dawn)

A Special Police Officer (SPO) Fayaz Ahmad was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday.

SPO Fayaz Ahmad, who was on leave, was fired at in Zazripora village and died on the spot, police said. According to a statement by J&K Police, Ahmad was 34 years and is survived by an aged mother, wife and two minor daughters aged five and two years.

According to a tweet by ANI, terrorists shot at the police personnel outside an eidgah in Kulgam's Zazripora. Besides, the Jammu and Kashmir police shot dead a terrorist in the gunfight. Earlier in the day, eid celebrations on Wednesday were defaced by violence in several areas including Anantnag and Srinagar after heavy clashes took place between security forces and protesters.

Police said that security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kachloo village in Handwaraarea of Kupwara district following information about the presence of terrorists there.

SPOs are engaged on a fixed monthly emolument by police to fight the insurgency. In most cases, the SPOs are not trained in handling firearms, a report in IANS said.

By Sowmya Sangam