Militant killed in Kupwara forests, DC orders inquiry into killing of youth

Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, July 12 :A militant was killed in an encounter in Kandi forests of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district today while Deputy Commissioner Kupwara ordered magisterial inquiry into the killing of a youth and Police arrested three persons including Border Security Force Officer in rifle snatching bid that was foiled.
The militant was killed last night and his body was recovered today morning along with an AK- 47 rifle and other ammunitions during the search operation in Sadu Ganga in Kandi forest area.
The identity of the slain militant and group is being ascertained. However, preliminary investigation revealed that the militant group belonged to LeT. The search operation in the area is going on and more areas have been cordoned off.
An Army Commando of 3 PARA Sepoy Mukul Meena was killed while another was injured during the operation. The operation was launched on Tuesday evening after Army’s 47 RR and the group of militants exchanged fire.
The militant group had managed to flee from the area. However, yesterday afternoon it was again intercepted with the help of additional reinforcements of Army’s 3 PARA Commandos.
Army today paid tributes to the soldier Meena in Kupwara district. In a ceremony at BB Cantonment, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Chinar Corps Commander paid tributes to the soldier. In a show of solidarity, representatives from other security agencies also joined in to pay their last respects.
Meena was injured during the fierce operation at Menganwar in Kandi forests of Kupwara district. He was provided immediate first aid and evacuated to the Hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
He belonged to Village Ladaniya of Khanpur Tehsil in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan and is survived by his wife and parents. His body was flown for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours.
And in the meantime, Government today ordered a magisterial inquiry into the killing of 20-year-old youth in Army firing last evening at Trehgam area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
District Magistrate (DM) Kupwara said that an enquiry into the killing of Khalid Gafar. Additional District Commissioner (ADM), Handwara has been appointed to conduct the enquiry into the killing. The ADM has been asked to submit a detailed enquiry report within one month.
The District Magistrate said that an FIR has already been registered against the army party involved in the killing.
Meanwhile, police registered an FIR 46/ 2018 under Section 148, 149, 323, 307, 336 RPC in Police Station Trehgam with regard to the incident.
An Army spokesman said that convoy of 8 Bihar and 160 TA- two different Army units- were passing through Trehgam area yesterday in the evening when the stone pelting and subsequently firing incident occurred. “The soldiers of nearby unit were already deployed and were patrolling the streets for the protection of the convoy”, the spokesman added.
Two BSF personnel including an officer were among three persons arrested after police foiled rifle snatching bid of a Personal Security Officer (PSO) of Gujjar and Bakerwal leader at Khanabal Housing Colony in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on today.
One Mansoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Sangam, entered the room of PSO Bashir Ahmad (SPO) while he was in washroom, and took away the rifle by wrapping it in a blanket. As Bhat came out, he found Manzoor in suspicious condition.
Manzoor tried to run away but was overpowered by Bhat and other police personnel. Soon after the arrest, Manzoor told police that the rifle was meant for BSF personnel, who were waiting for him in a vehicle outside the Housing Colony.
Police arrested the BSF personnel  including Inspector Patel and Zahoor Ahmad. Manzoor has told police that BSF men had promised him job and Rs 1.5 lakh in lieu of the rifle.  A case (FIR 115 under RPC section of 380 Theft in dwelling house, etc) has been registered in the case.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here