Three Youths Killed In Lawaypora Encounter Were Militants: IGP Vijay Kumar

Inspector General of Police-Kashmir Vijay Kumar shared that the three youths killed in a gunfight with security forces in Lawaypora, last month were all involved in militancy. He added that the police shall soon gather evidence and prove their parents of the same. Accused of being local militants, the three youths were killed in December in Lawaypora on the outskirts of Srinagar. 

"Their involvement has been -- almost 60 per cent -- proved. We are getting the data and we will convince their parents.  According to the metadata, we have collected so far, all the three associates who were killed in the encounter were involved in militancy. They were providing logistic support (to militants). We want to take a few more days so that we collect all the evidence which we will show to their parents first to convince them of their children's involvement", said Vijay Kumar. 

Kumar further shared that the police were not sharing ay information on the matter as yet on purpose, as the issue is very sensitive. Being asked about handing over the bodies of the trio to their respective families, the IGP shared that there was no question about that since their militancy has been proved. "The protocol is followed in case of death of a civilian, but, if we hand over the bodies of militants or associates, people get emotional and attend the funerals in thousands", said the IGP. 

"Till COVID does not end, we will not hand over the bodies of militants or militant associates. Then we will have to fight the people, use tear gas or maybe even pellets. Then also, you will criticise us. The bodies of slain militants have been buried in the presence of their family members. So, there is no logic in another burial", added Kumar.

On being asked about the allegation that allurement of reward money led to the Amshipora fake encounter killing of three persons from Rajouri, Kumar responded that the matter is being misrepresented by the media.  

"The reward money is given to the source and not to any officer. In this case, also, their company commander had promised and has also given the money to the source. The source has also accepted before a magistrate that he received the money. He has not said the Major or the Commanding Officer got the money", responded Kumar. 

Commenting on the preparations for Republic Day, the IGP said that the militant will try to disrupt the event but the police shall ensure that all such attempts are unsuccessful. In recent times, said Kumar, it has been seen over ground workers (OGWs) of terror outfits or militant associates are involved in cases of opening fire from pistols, throwing grenade or IEDs. In such cases, it has been the top priority of the police to deal with the issue.