Inquiry ordered into Shopian encounter

Srinagar, June 2

Authorities in Shopian district on Wednesday ordered a magisterial inquiry into an encounter between militants and security forces last month in which three ultras were killed, officials said.

In an order, the Shopian additional district magistrate, who is also the inquiry officer, asked people to share information about the anti-militancy operation that took place at Kanigam in Shopian on May 5-6. “It is notified for general public that as per the standing orders of the government, a magisterial inquiry of every militancy operation is required to be conducted. If any person wants to share information regarding this incident, he/she can visit this office personally during office hours by or before June 10,” the order read.

Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a militant associate of the Lashkar-e-Toiba in Budgam district and seized incriminating material from him. Fayaz Ahmed Bhat of Hakarmula Budgam was caught at a checkpoint in Harren Saibug, a police spokesman said. — PTI