Srinagar, Dec 24: A Hizbul militant, who was allegedly involved in a series of killings, including the murder of Inspector Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, three Kulgam BJP workers and a Sarpanch, was gunned down in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said.
Shahzad Ahmad Seh was a ‘categorized militant’ and a resident of Sehpora in Kulgam, police said.
Ahmad Seh was killed in a joint operation that was launched by forces early Friday at village Mominhall Aarwani area of Bijbehara, following an input about the presence of a militant.
“During the search operation, as the presence of the trapped terrorist got ascertained, he was given ample opportunities to surrender.
“However, he refused to take the surrender opportunities and instead fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter.
“In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist identified as Shahzad Seh was killed,” a police spokesman said
An AK 47 Rifle, two AK Magazines, 40 AK rounds and a grenade were recovered from his possession, he added.
“As per police records, the killed terrorist was part of groups involved in several terror crime cases. He was involved in the killings of Police Inspector Mohammad Ashraf Bhat of Chandpora Kanelwan Anantnag at his residence on October 19, 2020.
“He was involved in the killing of three BJP workers at YK-Pora Kulgam on October 29, 2020 and BJP Sarpanch and his wife at Lal-Chowk Anantnag on August 9, 2021,” the spokesman said.
“Besides, he was also involved in attack on DDC candidate Anees ul Islam Ganie at Sagam Kokernag on December 4, 2020 and in snatching weapon from a constable at Shamispora crossing in Khudwani area of Kulgam on July 25, 2021.
“He was involved in various grenade lobbing incidents and attacks on security establishments in Anantnag and Kulgam areas,” the spokesman said.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated. This month 13 militants have been killed in various gunfights in Kashmir. Six policemen have also been killed in three different attacks in Bandipora, Srinagar and Anantnag districts. Two militant associates of Laskhar-e-Taiba were arrested in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said on Friday. The two were identified as Imran Majeed Magray and Aqib Amin of Mochwa Budgam. They were arrested from Chadoora by a joint team of forces. Police said the two were in touch with the Lashkar commanders.
“During preliminary investigation, it surfaced that both the arrested terrorist associates have been in touch with LeT commanders and were involved in providing logistics, shelter ad transportation of arms & ammunition in the areas of Mochwa, Kralpora, Chattergam, Sathsoo, Nowgam, Chadoora and other adjacent areas of the district,” a police statement said.
He said incriminating material of LeT and explosive substance, including two hand grenades, two AK-47 magazines, 30 live AK-47 rounds were recovered from their possession. A case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Chadoora.
In last two days, four suspected militant associates have been arrested in Budgam district. On December 23, two militant associates of Lashkar were arrested from the Magam area of district Budgam.
