MANSEHRA: Two polio workers and a police guard were shot dead in the mountainous Danna area of Man­sehra district on Tuesday.

“Two female polio workers and a policeman were killed by terrorists in Danna area. At the moment I cannot name any terrorist outfit which might have carried out this heinous act,” Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hazara range, told newsmen.

“We have started a search operation in the area and those behind the attack will be brought to justice,” he said.

The polio team was vaccinating children on the second day of a three-day anti-polio drive in the district when they were attacked.

Lady health worker Sattara Gul and guard Mohammad Mushtaq died on the spot while Kaniz Nurgis succum­bed to her injuries in King Abdullah Teaching Hospital.

Sattara Gul was a mother of four, while Kaniz Nurgis left behind three children.

Lady health supervisor Farhat Shaheen told newsmen that both the women were honest and dedicated workers.

Farzana Iqbal, president of Mansehra chapter of the Lady Health Workers Association, condemned the attack. But, she said: “We will not boycott the anti-polio drive, but will face the terrorists bravely.”

She said that her association would observe three days of mourning and then resume the anti-polio drive.

“We want to make it clear that such attacks cannot deter us from our duty and we will continue to work to eradicate polio from Pakistan,” she said.

Published in Dawn March 18th , 2015

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