2 Hizb Militants ‘Chased To Death’ In Kupwara 

Internet snapped, edu institution to remain closed today in northern district    

SRINAGAR — Two local Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants were killed in a brief shootout with government forces in Khumriyal area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday.

Reports said that when a vehicle Hyundai SX (JK01G-7770) reached near the Khumriyal Bridge on Thursday afternoon, a joint team of SOG and army had laid a naka.

As the vehicle tried to return back after spotting the joint team, the later chased it, resulting into an encounter which led to killing of two militants.

IGP Kashmir SP Pani identified the slain Hizb militants as Zahoor Ahmad Mir of Thayan Kalaroos and Bilal Ahmad Shah of Shatmuqam village of Kupwara.

The bodies of the duo was recovered along with weapons, which include an Insas rifle looted from a cop on Tuesday in Kandhar village in the district, he said.

Both the militants were involved in several attacks on the security establishments in the area, he claimed.

A police spokesperson in a statement said that no collateral damage occurred during the encounter.

He said the bodies of the slain were handed over to their respective families after conducting all legal medico formalities.

Police has registered a case and investigation into the matter has been initiated, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, in wake of the killing of the militants, authorities snapped internet services in Kupwara and Handwara.

Zahoor Ahmad Mir alias Usama, a resident of Thayan, Kalaroos had joined militancy on July 7 this year while as Bilal Ahmad Shah alias Shahbaz had joined on March 2. Both were part of Hizb Ul Mujahideen outfit.

Following the killing of militants, most parts of the Lolab including Khumriyal, Cherkote, Kalaroos, Sogam, Takipora, Shatmuqam, Krusan, Lalpora shut down.

Reports of protests and clashes were also received in Kalaroos, Shatmuqam, Chaiwan and Cherkote soon after the bodies of the slain reached their respective villages for last rites.  

The district administration has ordered the closure of all educational institutions including Schools and colleges in Kupwara and Handwara on Friday 

Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Khalid Jehangir said that the all schools and colleges across Kupwara district shall remain closed except in Machil, Tanghdar and Keran areas.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to avoid law and order situation in the Valley, he said.

“Restrictions under section 144 shall remain enforces from tomorrow morning in parts of Kupwara including Lolab”. 

 Civilian Injured In Army Firing 

A 45-year-old man, Chowkidar by profession, was injured when army opened fire at Krosun Village in Lolab area of north Kashmir on Thursday afternoon. 

Local news agency GNS quoting eyewitnesses said that soon after the Magrb prayers, scores of people staged protests and attacked a local army camp with stones in Krosun Village, adjacent to Shatmuqam, the native village of Hizb militant, Bilal Ahmad Shah who was killed along with his associate, Zahoor Ahmad, Khumriyal area in the district in a brief encounter with government forces earlier in the day.   

Local residents said that the protests ensued after a youth Tawqeer Ahmad Sofi was arrested among the group of youth waiting to participate in funeral of the militants. The people marched towards the army camp, demanding his release. While the youth was released, some youth pelted stones at army  following which the later opened fire. One of the bullets, police sources said, hit the Chowkidar Mohammad Jamaal Tantray (45) while he was coming from the local Masjid.  

The injured was shifted to nearly local hospital from where he was referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment.  

PRO defence Col Rajesh Kalia when contacted by GNS said that “details are being verified” with regard to the incident. 

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