Two brothers’ dream of making it big as police officers was cut short when they were killed by militants at their home in Budgam on Saturday night, tragically a day before they were supposed to appear in an exam for sub-inspector’s post.

Family said Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, 25, who worked as a special police officer, and Umar Dar, 23, were busy preparing for their exams when armed gunmen barged into their home on Saturday night and killed the two one after the other.

Ishfaq died on the spot, while his younger brother Umar succumbed to his injuries at a hospital early on Sunday, police said.

Thousands joined their funeral in Budgam on Sunday.

Ishfaq’s death marks the third incident where militants have attacked off-duty policemen, triggering panic in the force.

“Brother Ishfaq worked at Budgam Police Lines but had taken a year’s study leave to complete an ITI course. Both had completed their graduation and were set to appear in an exam today for sub-inspector’s post,” their sister-in-law said.

“Both were busy with their laptops. The militants barged into our house, went upstairs and started thrashing them. We asked if there was an issue, we can sort it out. They said nothing and opened indiscriminate fire,” she said.

The woman said the militants first pumped bullets at Ishfaq’s face and seeing this she held Umar close to her and took him outside the house. “We moved out, but two men came in front of us and I do not know whether they came from outside or were the two who were inside the house and they opened a burst of fire (at Umar). Umar was still a little conscious and I asked him whether he knows them. He said no,” the sister-in-law said.

Two elder brothers of the slain siblings are also in police but were not at home. It is not clear whether the militants had come for them.

As thousands gathered for their funeral prayers, one of the family members announced they would be leaving the village following the deaths of the two brothers.

Top police officials, including inspector general of police Vijay Kumar, visited their residence and expressed condolences to the family.

Earlier this month, the militants abducted and killed army soldier Sameer Ahmad Malla, also in Budgam. He was on way to home from his place of posting in Jammu. A local CRPF jawan Mukhtar Ahmad, holidaying at home, was also killed. The militants killed two panchayat members and several civilians this month.

The killings have rocked Kashmir as Union home minister Amit Shah told a security force gathering here on March 19 that have taken a “decisive control” over militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

“I believe the biggest work in Jammu and Kashmir to have happened, which is the biggest success for security forces, is that security forces have succeeded in taking a decisive control on terrorism,” Shah said at the event to mark 83rd Raising Day of CRPF here.