Ikhwani Turned Soldier Shot Dead Inside Home

Soldier was on leave to attend ‘Chaharum’ of his son 

KULGAM — An Ikhwani counter insurgent turned soldier was killed when suspected militants barged into his house and pumped bullets into his body in a village in Kulgam district.

The deceased during the peak of counter insurgency was known as Mukhtar Gola.

An official said that armed militants fired upon Mukhtar Ahmed Malik at his native Shurat village on Monday afternoon. The deceased was a soldier affiliated with 162 Territorial Army. He was rushed to Sub-District hospital Kulgam where he succumbed to his injuries.

A police official said that the deceased was on leave to attend the ‘Chaharum’ of his 16 year old son Sharik Ahmed who was killed in a road accident few days back.

Another son of the deceased said that three men entered their house claiming they are journalists and want to talk to Mukhtar Ahmed. “They fired upon my father and kicked me when I requested them to spare him as we have lost a family member two days ago,” he said.

A senior Police officer also confirmed the incident and said that a case has been registered and further investigation taken up.

Soon after the incident, government forces launched searches to nab the attackers.

 Nearing Goal of Ending Militancy in J&K: DGP

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday said the force was “near” its goal of “completely finishing” militancy in the State.

On his maiden visit to the winter capital after taking over as the acting DGP early this month, Singh said several successful operations were conducted against militants in the last week referring to the killing of 15 militantd in five separate operations between September 11 and 15.

 “Jammu and Kashmir police has been fighting militancy for the last so many years and keeping in view our capabilities, we are near our goal of completely finishing militancy in the State,” Singh said in his address to the State’s police personnel.

“We are premier stake holders in peace,” the DGP said, adding police had the dual responsibility of being the custodian as well as maintainer of peace in the State.   (PTI)