The Jammu & Kashmir Government has ordered a time-bound enquiry into a spree of mysterious killings in north Kashmir’s Sopore pocket where another former militant was shot dead by unknown assailants on Monday morning. Four persons with separatist leanings, all married and employed, were shot dead by unknown pistol-borne youngsters during past eight days spreading a reign of terror in the area.
Separatists have called for a State-wide shutdown against the targeted killings on Wednesday (June 17) followed by protest demonstrations on Friday. Sources said the two pistol-borne youngsters showered bullets on Aijaz Ahmed Reshi when he was waiting for his turn to get medicines from a chemist shop at Mudji pocket in Sopore, 55 kilometers from here.
One assailant called Reshi and another fired bullets when he was approaching the caller. He died instantly. This is the fourth killing in the area in past eight days with last two deaths on consecutive days. Meanwhile, an official spokesman said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has taken serious view of the killings in Sopore and issued directions to the Home Department for stepping up investigations and providing secure environment to all civilians.
“The matter is also scheduled to be discussed in the meeting of the Unified Headquarters, which has been convened on June 17”, the spokesman said adding, police have taken all possible steps to fast-track investigation into all the relevant aspects of the incidents and has set up special monitoring mechanism to keep track of proper investigation.
Separatist JKlF leader Yasin Malik held protest rally and two hour peaceful sit-in at Sopore town with the participation of people, including large number of women and children denouncing the mysterious civilian killings. Normal life remained affected in the town following instant shutdown to protest against the killing. Reports of stone pelting were also received from the town. Reports said normal life was also affected after clashes broke out in adjacent Baramulla town. No militant or any shadow group has claimed responsibility of these killings so far.