At least three people were killed and two others were injured in two separate terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.
The first attack took place at state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's (BSNL) franchise outlet in Baramulla district's Sopore town in the morning, leaving three injured.
However, one of the injured persons, who was an employee at the BSNL outlet, succumbed to his injuries later in the day.
"Muhammad Rafiq Bhat, a resident of Sogipora in Kupwara, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The two injured are being treated at a Srinagar hospital, where doctors said their condition is critical," a senior police officer told IANS.
The two other injured persons were identified as Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, 40, and Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, 30, PTI reported.
Security forces launched a search operation after the gunmen fled the scene. The incident took place in a crowded market area of Sopore town.
First Pictures: Unidentified gunmen open fire at a BSNL showroom in Sopore, security forces have cordoned off area. pic.twitter.com/uNzk1UJS5X
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 25, 2015
According to reports, the militants had issued several warning to the owners of the franchise offices of various telecommunication companies, including BSNL outlet, asking them to shut down their business in and around Sopore.
The threat came "after an equipment purportedly installed by terrorists on Badami Bagh cell phone tower was removed," IANS reports
They had allegedly threatened with dire consequences if the owners do not abide by their instructions.
Soldier, militant killed in Kulgam
In the second attack, militants opened fire at an army patrolling team in Kulgam district. An army jawan, identified as Dharam Ram, was martyred in the attack.
Security forces shot down a militant in the ensuing gunbattle in a nearby orchard.
