Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 23: Some unknown persons today threatened the non-local labourers in Sopore town of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district and asked them to leave Sopore within three days.
Reports said that two unidentified persons handed over a letter to Imam of Jamia Masjid Sopore, threatening non-local labourers to vacate Sopore town in next three days or face consequences.
The Imam Jamia read the letter in the Masjid before a gathering over 300 people.
The letter was anonymous and it reads: “The non local labourers are given 3 days to vacate Sopore town. If the non local labourers won’t vacate the town, landlords will be the first target.”
Reports said that there are around 50, 000 non-local labourers in Sopore and adjacent areas. Police have taken cognizance of the letter and are assessing the situation.
Meanwhile, the South Kashmir’s Kulgam district today observed shut down against the killing of two militants and a civilian yesterday in an encounter. The protesters set ablaze a Border Roads Organization (BRO) vehicle.
The two militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) Javaid Ahmad Bhat alias Abu Jaffar son of Abdul Rehman of Redwani Balla and Idrees Ahmad Negroo son of Ghulam Hassan of Badroo Yaripora were killed in 15-hour long gunfight. A civilian Asif Tantray was also killed and two Army men were injured in the gun battle.
Locals alleged that Tantray was shot dead by troops while police said he was hit by a stray bullet.
The shops, commercial establishments and educational institutes remained shut in Kulgam against the deaths. Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani had called for the shutdown in Kulgam district.
Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel across the district particularly in Khudwani, Redwani, Qoimoh and Yaripora areas were deployed in strength to prevent any clashes.
The youth resorted to stone-throwing at Qoimoh on a CRPF camp ensuing clashes which continued for several hours. The protesters also set ablaze Border Roads Organization (BRO) vehicle and pelted stones at Army and CRPF vehicles.
Government on Monday had said that a time-bound magisterial enquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts which led to civilian killing and damage to property.
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