Local Army recruits on target of ultras in Kashmir

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 11

When Mohammad Saleem Akhoon, a soldier of the Territorial Army, was shot dead at his residence at Bijbehara in Anantnag district of Kashmir two days ago, it was yet another case of Kashmiris turning against each other. In this case, the killers and the victim happened to be locals.

The specific targets of the terrorists have been local boys who joined the armed forces. These boys are important elements in anti-terror operations carried out by the forces.

Killing their own

• A soldier from Anantnag was killed by ultras at his residence two days ago
• It was one of the several such killings in past few years when local ultras targeted local soldiers
• The Territorial Army in the Valley mostly comprises Kashmiri recruits

Saleem Akhoon, 35 years of age, was on leave for 40 days and was shot at his residence, indicating local grassroots information going to the terrorists about his whereabouts. The killers were two local terrorists, suspected to be from the LeT.

Akhoon was rewarded with ‘Commendation Card’ thrice and was actively taking part in anti-terror operations. Last year, he was threatened by terrorists on social media, but nothing dampened his spirits.

In the past, incidents have been reported where the victims and assailants were local Kashmiris.

Last year in August, Shakir Manzoor, a Territorial Army man from 162 Battalion, hailing from Reshipora village of Shopian, was abducted on the evening of August 2. He was on way home when his car was intercepted by gunmen at Rabhama Nohama in Kulgam district. His burnt car was later found at the spot.

Suspected militants later, in a purported audio message, claimed responsibility for his abduction and murder, though the family members of the victim are still staging protest demanding his body.

In June 2019, a local Army soldier, Manzoor Ahmad Baig was shot dead by militants at his residence in Sadoora, Anantnag. This local TA soldier was also on leave. He was posted with Army’s 34-Rashtriya Rifles battalion and had gone home to celebrate Eid with his family when the incident occurred.

In May 2017, Lieutenant Umar Fayaz, a 22-year-old Army officer from Shopian district, who was on leave, was abducted by militants from his relative’s house. His bullet-riddled body was found in Shopian next morning.

Another soldier, Aurangzeb, was killed by militants when he was going back to his home from Shopian to celebrate Eid with his family. The Territorial Army in the Valley mostly comprises of local Kashmiri soldiers. An official on anonymity said it was unfortunate that locals had been pitted against locals.

Civilian shot in Budgam

Srinagar: Militants on Sunday shot dead a civilian in Budgam. The ultras fired at Nasir Khan near his house in Buchipora. He was taken to hospital, where he died. The area has been cordoned off and a manhunt has been launched to nab the attackers. PTI

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