SRINAGAR, MARCH 7 The JK police have launched a manhunt in central Kashmir’s Budgam district to nab Special Police Officer (SPO) Javid Ahmed, who deserted his post last month and crossed over to the militants’ ranks. Ahmed (22), a resident of Dalwen Chrar-e-Sharief, had been with the police for about three years. ‘‘The SPO posted at Chrar-e-Sharief PS fled a month ago,’’ Inspector General of Police K Rajindera said. The police also found that Ahmed, who also reportedly stole an AK 47 rifle, was involved in a recent militant attack at Pakerpora in Budgam in which three persons, were injured.

‘‘A few days ago, the SPO barged into the Pakerpora house of SPO Mohammad Ramzan and opened indiscriminate fire. Ramzan was injured in the incident and so were two children,’’ a police officer at Budgam said, adding that Ramzan recognised Ahmed during the attack.