Suspect in J&K cop’s lynching among 3 shot in Budgam encounter

Security forces have gunned down three militants in in Magam area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday.

One of the militants, Sajad Gilkar, was a key suspect in the lynching of deputy SP Mohammad Ayoub Pandith in Srinagar in June.

A police spokesman based in Srinagar said “Sajad Gilkar played key role in the murder of DySP Mohammad Ayoub Pandith of Security Wing, who was lynched to death at Jamia Masjid Nowhatta, Srinagar.”

“After the incident he went underground and joined Hizbul Mujahideen militant ranks,” the spokesman said.

He also confirmed that the remaining miliants were also locals.

Gilkar was involved in several attacks on camps of security forces and convoys. He was also involved in an attack on PDP leader Abdul Qayoom in Barzulla on May 24, which left the leader critically wounded.

Curfew like restrictions are likely to be imposed in the area as police fears violence over the deaths.

On Tuesday evening, security forces had cordoned a village in Magam area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district after inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

Police control room Budgam had confirmed that the cordon and search operation was launched in Radbugh Magam area of Budgam district.

While some firing shots were heard in the evening, security forces was extra cautious owing to the darkness. An assault was launched on Wednesday.