J&K Orders Probe Into Srinagar Encounter

Srinagar : In an gunbattle between terrorists and security forces two businessmen were killed. Amid huge anger over this ‘controversial operation,’ the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today ordered a magisterial investigation. The security forces claimed that the two businessmen have terror connections, while the families say this allegation of forces is false and allege that they were killed mercilessly.

“We will look into the demands of the families. We are open to correction if anything has gone wrong. A police probe will also find out what went wrong,” Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh told NDTV. “We will find out what happened in the Hyderpora encounter. We are for the safety of people and will not shy away from a probe,” Mr Singh said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s office tweeted that it “will ensure there is no injustice.”

“A magisterial inquiry by officer of ADM rank has been ordered in Hyderpora encounter. The government will take suitable action as soon as a report is submitted in a time-bound manner. J&K administration reiterates commitment to protecting lives of innocent civilians and it will ensure there is no injustice,” the Lt Governor’s office tweeted.

A magisterial inquiry by officer of ADM rank has been ordered in Hyderpora encounter.Govt will take suitable action as soon as report is submitted in a time-bound manner.JK admin reiterates commitment of protecting lives of innocent civilians&it will ensure there is no injustice.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) November 18, 2021

Also Read : Families Of Two Businessmen Killed In J&K Op, Removed From Protest Site

Businessman Altaf Bhat and dental surgeon Mudasir Gul were killed during a controversial anti-terrorist operation in Hyderpora on Monday. Police initially claimed they were shot dead by terrorists, but later said they may have been killed in the crossfire.

The police officials had earlier stated that both the men were associated with the terror groups. This charge that provoked a furious reaction from family members and critics of the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

The families have alleged Altaf Bhat and Mudasir Gul were killed in cold blood, as was a third person – Amir Magray – whom the police called a “hybrid terrorist” and was allegedly working as a helper in the doctor’s office.

Amir Magray’s father, Abdul Latief Magray, has alleged his son was killed in a staged encounter.

Abdul Latief Magray is publicly known as someone is intensely vocal against terrorists. He lives in a remote village in Ramban district. He made headlines after killing a terrorist with a stone in 2005 and had received an Indian Army citation. He has spoken about how he raised his children “by keeping them at secret locations”.

“The denial of the body of my son is the reward of our fight against terrorists. My home is still guarded by security forces; tomorrow, they can kill me and claim that I was a militant,” he said.

The police said two pistols were recovered from the site of the encounter in Hyderpora.