Conflict

Militant Killings: Clashes erupt in Sopore as many areas remain shut

A J&K Police cop stands near an encounter site at an identified place in Shopian. (FPK file Photo/Vikar Syed)

Srinagar: Many parts of Sopore in Baramulla district are observing a complete shutdown on Friday against the killing of two militants.

Police on Thursday said that two Hizb ul Mujahideen militants were killed in a “quick operation” in Mir-Mohalla Nathipora area of Sopore.

They were identified as Aijaz Ahmad Mir, a resident of Brath Sopore and Basharat Ahmad Sheikh, who lived in Bomai Sopore.

Thousands of people marched towards the duo villages and paid tributes to the slain militants who were laid to rest amid pro-freedom sloganeering.

“Soon after mandatory congregational Friday prayers ended in Jamia Masjid Sopore, people marched towards Fish Market where armed forces were already deployed,” a youth, witness to events, told the FreePressKashmir, over phone.

“The forces fired tear gas shells and pushed back the rally, however, it angered the youth who resorted to stone pelting and clashes erupted,” he said without revealing his real name to avoid security consequences.

Bomai and Brath villages – the home villages of Aijaz and Basharat are observing complete shutdown.

“There is no business activity seen today in Bomai,” an elderly person, who teaches at a school in the area, said. “The area is relatively calm.”

Similar reports were received from Brath. “Almost whole of Zainagiree area is shut today,” the elderly teacher said.

Aijaz was a student of government run Higher Secondary School in Bomai in 2014 before he fled home to join militants in 2015.

In main Chowk Sopore, the youth said, “two civilians were arrested including a minor.” However, their identity could not be ascertained immediately.

Click to comment
To Top