Two Hizb militants killed in Kulgam encounter
Srinagar: Two militants were killed Wednesday in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, police said.
An official said that a joint team of forces including army’s 34 RR, CRPF and SOG cordoned off Gopalpora area after having credible input about presence of some militants in the area.
As the joint team of forces intensified searches towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon government forces triggering an encounter, he said.
Two militants were killed in the exchange of fire between militants and government forces, who were later identified as Zahid Bashir Mantoo from Feeripora Shopian and Irfan Manzoor Bhat from Poniwah village of Kulgam, he added.
Meanwhile, as soon as the news of encounter spread in the area, youth took to streets and started pelting stones on government forces which was retaliated by firing pellet, tear smoke and sound shells.
Eyewitnesses said several youth received injuries during the clashes.
Meanwhile, thousands of people participated in the funerals of slain militants in Feeripora and Poniwah areas of southern Kashmir.
Eyewitnesses said that thousands of people participated in funerals of both slain militants who were laid to rest at their native places after multiple rounds of funeral prayers amid massive pro freedom and pro militant slogans.
Zahid according to official sources had joined militant ranks in August 2018.
Zahid was very efficient in his academics but after passing his 8th class examination his father decided to admit him in religious seminary where from he pursued Hifz, and started teaching in many religious seminaries, said one of his teachers.
In 2016 agitation, few youth were injured during clashes in nearby area and Zahid accompanied one of them to Srinagar but the injured person as well the person who were accompanying him (including Zahid) were beaten ruthlessly by forces in Pampore area after which the injured youth died, this incident left him completely shocked, one of his friends said.
He never took part in streets protests and he never showed inclination towards militancy, but after the Pampore incident he was completely changed person, he added.
He was a very sober and reasonable and was always helping the needy, he said.
Belonging to an economically sound family, Zahid is survived by his two brothers and four sisters.
Another slain militant, Irfan a resident of Poniwah village in Kulgam district was missing since April 05 this year.
His father Manzoor Ahmad said that soon after he left home we tried to call him several times.
However, we could not establish any contact with him.
“We called our relatives and his friends but could not trace him anywhere,” he said.
After failing to trace him the family filed a missing report at the Police station Kulgam.
However, police later in statement said that Irfan was involved in killing of a Sarpanch identified as Abdul Majeed of Shalipora on 3rd May.
The police also claimed to have attempted to arrest him but he gave them a aslip and fled from the spot to join the Hizbul ranks.
As per locals Irfan had taken admission for a master’s degree before joining the militant ranks.
Belonging to an economically well off family Irfan is survived by two brothers and two sisters besides his parents.
Jahangeer Ganaie
