Kulgam: Massive clashes left several injured in Khandaypora village of Kulgam district in South Kashmir following the killing of high profile militant Abu Qasim in an overnight encounterEye witnesses said that the clashes broke out after security forces asked villagers to come out of their homes and assemble at one place for house to house search to flush out the remaining militants.

“After they killed Abdulm Rehman alias Abu Qasim of Bhawalpur Pakistan, the forces beloved that two more militants are hiding somewhere in the residential houses. They asked people to gather outside so that house to house search would be conducted to flush those hiding militants also,” locals told to The Legitimate.

 They said early in the morning as the locals gathered outside and forces zeroed in into the suspected houses, locals broke the cordon and resorted to heavy stone pelting on forces prompting them to leave the search midway and leave the area.

 However, the police sources told that two more militants along with Abu Qasim managed to give slip following the clashes.

“We had to maintain restrain to avoid civilian causalities and two more militants ran away from the area while taking an advantage,” he said.

In the ensuing clashes several people are reportedly injured after police fired few aerial shots and numerous tear smoke shells to quell the protesters. 

Meanwhile, the body of Abu Qasim has been handed over to Kulgam Auqaf Committee for last rites. 

Profile

Qasim was active across valley as Divisional Commander for last five years and according to police was involved in scores of militant related activities. 

He is believed to be the master mind of Udhampur Attack on the BSF Convoy on 5th of August, 2015 in which 02 BSF jawans were killed and injuring 12 personnel following which Pakistani militant Naveed was arrested. 

Abu Qasim who carried the cash prize of one million was also held responsible for the killing of an Inspector of Police Mohammad Altaf Dar in Bandipora on 7th of October 2015.

He was part of the LeT squad which carried out Fidayeen attack at Hyderpora Srinagar Bypass in which 08 Army Jawans were killed. Case FIR 200/13 U/S 307, 326 RPC, 120 B, 121, 7/27 I.A Act in P/S Budgam has been registered in this regard.

On the directions of the said militant commander, cadres of LeT outfit namely Ab. Hamza R/O Pak and Abu Usman R/o Pak were involved in killing of Ex-Director of SKIMS Soura Srinagar, Dr. Jalal U Din  along with his PSO in year 2013. Case FIR No. 82/2013 U/S 307, 392, 302 RPC, 7/27 I.A Act registered in P/S Pampore.

The said militant commander was involved in an attack on BSF Bus which took place near Kadlabal, Pampore and  injured 06 personnel including Dy. Commandant and a  case FIR No. 114/2014 U/S 307 RPC, 7/27 I.A Act registered in P/S Pampore.

On the directions of the said militant commander, cadres of LeT outfit namely Dujana R/O Pakistan and Showkat Ahmad Lone @ Ali Bhai carried attack on Police Party at Galander Pampore in which 02 constables of JKAP 11th Bn got killed and they snatched 01 AK-47 Rifle. FIR No. 119/2013 U/S 302, 307 RPC 7/27 I.A Act registered at P/S Pampore.

On the directions of the said commander, cadres of LeT outfit namely Abu Umer R/O Pak, Lateef Ahmad Dar R/O Chadoora and Reyaz Ahmad R/O Panzan are involved in killing of SHO P/S Chadoora in year 2013. Case FIR No. 216/2013 U/S 302, 307 RPC 7/27 I.A Act in P/S Chadoora.

On the directions of the said commander, cadres of LeT outfit killed 02 CRPF personnel in year 2013. Case FIR No. 204 / 2013 U/S 302, 307 RPC 7/27 I.A Act registered in P/S Pulwama.

The said militant commander was involved in firing at Batapora Tokuna on 04/11/2014 and FIR No. 113/2014 U/S 307 RPC , 7/27 I.A Act registered in P/S Awantipora.

On the directions of the said commander, cadres of LeT outfit namely Abu Hanzullah @ Chotu R/O Pakistan and other associates killed two SPOs at Court Complex Pulwama in year 2014. Case FIR No. 42/2014, U/S 302, 307 RPC, 7/27 I.A Act, 03 Foreigner Act registered in P/S Pulwama.

The said militant commander was  involved in killing of one Policeman and one Army Jawan at Qaisar Mullah Chadoora Budgam. Case FIR No. 70/2014 U/S 302, 307 RPC, 7/27 I.A Act registered in P/S Chadoora in this regard.

Meanwhile, thousands of people joined his funeral procession amid pro freedom and anti India slogans.