Jammu, Jan 7 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday condemned the killing of Assistant Sub-Inspector Kafeel Ahmed in a guerilla attack by the Hizbul Mujahideen in Sopore town.

In a statement issued here, the chief minister spoke about Ahmed's sacrifice and said it has been a tradition of the state police force to show the highest degree of bravery.

In his condolence message to the bereaved family and the police department, Abdullah expressed grief over the killing and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Ahmed was critically injured along with three other policemen Tuesday in Chankhan locality of Sopore, 54 km from here, when they tried to cordon off a house on specific information that guerrillas were hiding inside.

The Hizbul Mujahideen outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

As the security forces approached the area, the guerrillas hurled a grenade and fired indiscriminately at them, resulting in injuries to four policemen.

The injured policemen were taken to the army's base hospital in Srinagar where Ahmed died of his injuries.

Searches continued in Chankhan till late Tuesday evening but there was no trace of the guerrillas.

A wreath laying ceremony was held in Srinagar, which was attended by police, civil and paramilitary officers.