J&K: Sajad Gilkar among 3 Hizbul militants killed, involved in DSP lynching

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday claimed that one of the three Hizbul Mujahideen militants killed in a fire fight with the security forces in central district of Budgam earlier on Wednesday was involved in the lynching of deputy superintendent of police, Muhammad Ayub Pandith.

Pandith was stripped and beaten to death by a mob outside Srinagar’s Grand Mosque on the night of June 22.  He was among three police officials on surveillance and ‘anti sabotage’ duty and was reportedly clicking pictures of people emerging from the historic Jamia Masjid with his mobile phone when attacked.

A statement issued by the police in Srinagar said Sajad Ahmed Gilkar, son of Nazir Ahmad and resident of Srinagar’s Malaratha (Nowhatta) locality, “played key role in the murder of  Pandith.” 

It added, “After the incident, he went underground and joined Hizbul Mujahedin militant ranks.”

The statement also said the slain militant was also involved in grenade attacks on CRPF at Nowhatta on April 2, at CRPF camp at Safa Kadal on June 11 and on a police party at Khanyar on April 30, in the attack on one Abdul Qayoom in Barzulla on May 24 and Army convoy near SKIMS Bemina on April 1.

The statement is not clear on the question that if Gilkar joined militant ranks after the lynching of the police officer and how was he involved in these incidents which took place before Pandith was murdered on June 22.

The other two militants who died in the encounter with the security forces in Budgam’s Redbug area have been identified as Aaqib Gul, a resident of Gooripora and Javaid Ahmedd Sheikh of Churpora Beerwah of Budgam district.