Hizb killing unarmed policeman, civilians: police

Deputy inspector general of police, North Kashmir, JP Singh on Sunday said the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit was killing “unarmed, innocent policemen and civilians out of sheer frustration.”

“I appeal to the people of Sopore to expose these militants as they are responsible for the killing of innocent people,” he said in an interview to a local news agency.

The DIG claimed that the Hizb was misleading the police by declaring that Saqib, one of its active commanders, was not affiliated with the outfit.

“We don’t trust the HM. It can go to any extent to fulfil its interests,” he said.

Militants killed a special police officer in Sopore on Sunday morning. “It has become very difficult for the police to nab the militants in Sopore town. Militants have changed their strategy now. They carry weapons only at the time of attack. Later, they live like the common man,” said Singh.

Around 30 militants are present in north Kashmir, which include five non-locals. “Militants strike at unarmed sarpanchs and policemen to show their presence,” he said.