Two militants killed in Handwara gunfight, police says both were wanted in criminal cases 

SRINAGAR, SEP 11 (PTK):  Two militants were killed in a gunfight with the forces in Langate area of Handwara last night, police said.

 

Police official said that the state police and security forces launched a joint search operation based on “credible” inputs about the presence of militants in Galoora area of Langate.

 

“During the searches, the militants fired on the search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed,” he said.

 

Police has registered a case in this regard and the investigation has been initiated in the instant matter, he said.

 

The slain were identified as Liyaqat, a resident of Harwan Sopore and Furqan (18), a resident of Langate area of Handwara.

 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the militant outfit claimed that the slain militants killed several forces personnel ‘before embracing their own death.’

 

He also claimed as soon as the government forces laid a siege on several Langate villages, Commander Umar Khalid “courageously stopped forces personnel to reach his other associates.”

 

“Several militants were able to break the cordon and escape into Langate woods. However, Khalid Umar and Furqan bhai were hit by bullets and embraced martyrdom,” the spokesperson added.

 

Police said that Liyaqat was involved in the killing of Hurriyat(G) activist  Hakim-ur-Rehman Sultani resident of Bomai. Hakim was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen on two days back.

 

According to a police statement Furqan Rashid Lone alias Adil S/O Ab Rashid was resident of Shartpora, Langate and was affiliated with militant outfit LeT.

 

“He was wanted in a number of criminal cases registered at Police Station Handwara FIR No. 271/2016 U/S 148, 149, 307, 436, 332RPC PS Handwara ;FIR No.334/2016 U/S 148,149,307,436, 332 RPC PS Handwara ; FIR No.357/2017 U/S 120RPC, 18 ULA PS Handwara,” police statement said.

 

Liyaqat Ahmad Lone alias Sahaba alias Umar Khalid son of Gh Mohi u din Lone, according to police was resident of Harwan, Sopore and was affiliated with LeT.

 

“He had a long history of involvement in terror related activities and was wanted in a number of criminal cases FIR No. 45/2016 under section 18b, 20 ULA of Police Station Bomia; FIR 81/2017 under section 363, 376 RPC of Police Station Bomai regarding kidnapping and rape of a minor local girl,” police statement said.

 

“Liyaqat  along with other  LeT terrorists  Gani Khawaja resident of Kralgund and Majid Mir resident of Nowpora Sopore  is involved in case FIR No.70/2018 under section 307 RPC, 7/27 Arms Act of  Police Station Bomai regarding the murder of Hurriyat(G) activist  Hakim-ur-Rehman Sultani resident of Bomai on 08-09-2018,” police statement said. (PTK)