Srinagar: In a statement issued here this evening, a police spokesman said:
“Some families from South Kashmir came to PCR and claimed them (the killed trio) to be their wards. They have been sent to Ganderbal for further identification and participation in last rites in the presence of Magistrate.
“In this connection a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated.
“It is pertinent to mention that a few terror incidents have occurred in this area recently and reportedly these terrorists have also came from South Kashmir to target convoy of security forces.
“Although the three killed terrorists in today’s encounter were not mentioned in our list of terrorists, yet two of them are hardcore associates of terrorists (OGWs). Pertinently, one of the two is relative of top HM commander Rayees Kachroo who was killed in 2017. Reportedly, third might have joined very recently.
“Generally parents don’t have idea about the activities of their wards. Several OGWs after committing terror crimes like grenade throwing & pistol shooting etc stay normally with their family. For instance, one student from Pulwama who was taking coaching in Srinagar was caught for lobbying a grenade with the help of CCTV’s footage. His parents were totally unaware about his terrorist activities.
“Police is investigating the case and after thorough investigation will come to the conclusion soon on merits.
“It is pertinent to mention here that the trio killed in today’s encounter was given ample opportunity to surrender both yesterday evening and today morning but they didn’t surrender and instead fired and lobbed grenades on search party”.
