The late evening death of a Jaish-e-Muhammad militant in south Kashmir’s restive Tral town has thrown competing versions as shutdown was observed in the area on Tuesday.
Police have collected samples for forensic investigation as it believes that the militant died in an inter-gang clash between rival militant groups. However, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) claimed that the suspected militant died in an exchange of fire when he attempted to attack a patrolling party late on Monday evening.
The locals said that they heard five gunshots at around 8 pm, which was followed by an eerie silence in the area. Hours after, pictures of a slain militant went viral on internet as CRPF claimed that it was the body of Jaish “commander” Arshid Khan, a foreigner killed in Tral area.
Inspector General of Police (Operations) of the CRPF Nilin Prabhat said that a CRPF patrol was moving near Tral when it came under heavy fire. “Our men retaliated and shot dead a militant who was later on identified as Arshid Bhai of Pakistan,” he said.
He further said that his associates managed to flee from the spot. “The slain militant was not alone but it was a group of militants who attacked CRPF patrol. His associates snatched his gun soon after he died and fled from the spot. However, they left behind 260 rounds of AK-47 rifle, 4 AK-47 magazines, 2 grenades, 2 mobile sets and a wireless set,” IG Operations said and contradicted the police claims that the said militant was killed by his own men.
Police said that it has collected samples for forensic testing. A police offcer was quoted by a local news agency saying that the preliminary investigation has revealed that the militant died in a group clash. Superintendent of police Awantipora, Abdul Wahid said that the [police were trying to ascertain the facts and the investigation was in progress. A complete shutdown was observed in the area as all shops and business establishments remained closed while transport was off the roads.