Ahmad was shot by mlitants on October 29 when he was engaged in a cricket match with local boys at Eidgah grounds in downtown Srinagar. He succumbed at AIIMS in New Delhi on Thursday.

"No words are strong enough to express the pain of losing Inspector Masroor Ahmad, the brave son of Mother India. I salute his courage and sacrifice," Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

"I want to assure the people that his supreme sacrifice will not go in vain. We are firmly resolved to crush the terrorist menace and give a befitting reply to those who are aiding and abetting terrorism," he said.

Meanwhile, the probe into the killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), a senior police officer said here on Friday

"The case has been given to the NIA. The NIA and JK Police will investigate it jointly," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Vijay Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of a wreath-laying ceremony of the slain officer

Kumar said the police have got some leads in the case and the investigation is underway. "Those involved will soon be brought to justice. Investigations are on and we cannot share the details," he added. The ADGP said maintenance of law and order is a basic need and a right of the public, and those persons, separatists, miscreants or terrorists who try to disturb it will be dealt with sternly.

Former Jammu and Kashmir State Chef Minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah visited the residence of slain Jammu and Kashmir Police inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani to pay his respects.

"JKNC VP Omar Abdullah pays respects at Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani's home in Narwara, Srinagar," the NC said in a post on X. The former chief minister met Wani's father and other family members and offered his heartfelt condolences and support, the party said.