Jammu and Kashmir: Youth killed by suspected militants in Kupwara district

A 28-year-old youth was on Wednesday shot dead by suspected militants in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, police said.

Bullet-riddled body of Liyaqat Joo was recovered from the forest area of Wadder Payeen in Handwara, 85 kms from here, a police officer said. Joo who is a resident of Wadder Payeen, was suspected to have been killed by militants, the officer said. Police has registered a case and started investigations, the officer said adding a hunt has been launched to nab the culprits behind his murder. 

Meanwhile, the officer said a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the two militants who were shot dead in a brief gunbattle at Sarai Bala locality in the heart of Srinagar on late Monday evening. The recoveries included two AK assault rifles, four magazines, 86 rounds, a pistol with a magazine and two rounds, three hand grenades, a grenade thrower and a pouch, he said. 

The two militants including Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Saifullah were killed by police during a raid at Sarai Bala on Monday, sparking protests by locals who contested the police version and claimed that the duo were killed in a "fake encounter". 

Shops and business establishments in the area and adjoining business centres including Maharaj Bazar, Hari Singh High Street and Gonikhan remained closed for the second day today to protest the killings.