Sopore, Nov 29: The second ‘militant’ killed in a gunfight along with LeT commander Naveed Jatt at Chattergam in central Kashmir’s Budgam district yesterday has been identified as a resident of Sopore in Baramulla district.
The slain militant was identified as Mehraj-ud-Din Khan alias Maroof and Kaleemullah, a resident of New colony, Sopore.
Mehraj, who as per police was an overground worker of the militants, had reportedly fled away from a police station in Sopore on October 05, 2018, just four days after his arrest.
Meanwhile, a large gathering of people attended the funeral of Mehraj after police handed over his body to his relatives at Police Control Room (PCR), Srinagar early this morning.
Speaking to Kashmir Images, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, father of slain militant, who is a labourer, said that before joining militancy his son used to sell fruit at bus stand Sopore.
“My son joined militancy on his own wish, he was not forced by anyone to do so,” he added.
Sharing details about how his son ended up in militant ranks, father said: “On 27 August this year, Mehraj told me that he will go on a picnic and will return after seven days. While my son was away, a police party police visited my home asking for him and I told them that he was on a picnic.”
“After seven days, when Mehraj came back, I straightaway took him to police station Sopore where he was questioned for many days. After one week of his interrogation, police claimed to have arrested a militant from Sopore – Mehraj– along with weapons and other incriminating material,” said Mushtaq Ahmad.
Meanwhile today an instant shutdown was observed in Sopore against his killing with all business establishments remaining closed and traffic remaining off from roads.
Authorities also suspended mobile Internet services in the town.
