The family members of a civilian, described by police in Jammu and Kashmir as a “Terrorist associate” killed during an encounter with two ‘Terrorist ” on Monday night, alleged that he was used as a “human shield” by the forces.
Two Terrorist and the civilian, a businessman identified as Mohammad Altaf Bhat, were killed during an operation in Hyderpora in Srinagar. Police said the Terrorist had been hiding inside the shopping complex owned by the local businessman.
Bhat’s family members held a protest on Monday night, demanding handover of his body for burial and accused the police of killing an innocent civilian during an operation.
“You killed my innocent uncle Mohammad Altaf Bhat in cold-blooded murder In Hyderpora, you used him as human shield and now saying he was ‘OGW’. Return us his body @JmuKmrPolice @SrinagarPolice @IGP,” tweeted Saima Bhat, the businessman’s niece.
Locals said Bhat ,48, is survived by his wife and two daughters. They also said he owned the shopping mall and was into cement and iron businesses.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded a speedy investigation into Bhat’s death.
“These allegations are grave and merit speedy investigation. Least@JmuKmrPolice could do is hand over the dead body to the family for a decent burial. Are even dead ones a threat to peace now?” the PDP tweeted.
On Monday night, Vijay Kumar, the inspector general of police (IGP) Kashmir, tweeted, “The house owner who was injured in the Terrorist fire succumbed to injuries. Terrorist have been hiding on the top floor of his building. As per sources and digital evidence, he has been working as a Terrorist associate.”
Police haven’t yet identified the two Terrorist killed in the encounter. The police are in possession of all three bodies.
Earlier, on Sunday night, a policeman sustained injuries after suspected Terrorist opened fire on a police team conducting raids in the Old City area of Srinagar. Police said the raids were being carried out on the basis of specific information about the presence of Terrorist in Jamalata area of Nawakadal.