By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
BANNU: Four police personnel were killed in two separate terrorist incidents within four hours in Bannu region, officials said. The first attack took place in the Sarai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat, where traffic police officers were carrying out routine duties on the Lakki–Bannu Road when unidentified motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire. Three traffic police personnel were killed in the assault.
The officers were identified as in-charge traffic police Naurang Jalal Khan, police constable Azizullah and police constable Abdullah. Following the attack, a heavy police contingent reached the scene and the bodies were shifted to Naurang Hospital. The second incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Mandan police station in the Kafshi Khel area of Bannu, where terrorists opened fire and killed police constable Rashid Khan.
Funeral prayers for the three traffic police officers killed in the Sarai Naurang attack were offered at Police Lines Lakki Marwat, while the funeral prayer of police constable Rashid Khan was held at Police Lines Bannu with full official honours. The prayers were attended by SP Investigation Murad Khan, SDPOs from various circles, the DSP Traffic, other police officers, district administration officials, family members of the slain personnel, local elders and a large number of citizens.
In Lakki Marwat and Bannu, the fallen officers were presented with a salute by a smartly turned-out police contingent. Floral wreaths were laid on the coffins and special prayers were offered for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks. Police officials expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased and said the sacrifices of the martyred personnel would never be forgotten, adding that the attackers would be pursued and brought to justice.
