Furore in JK Assembly on Kud Encounter, PDP MLA Leads the Charge

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Tuesday witnessed uproarious scenes over the encounter in Kud town of Udhampur region yesterday which left a suspected militant and a civilian lady dead.

The issue was raised by the ruling PDP's legislator from Srinagar's Batmaloo constituency, Sheikh Noor Mohammad, during Question Hour who asked the government to explain the circumstances under which the encounter took place.

A suspected militant identified as Tanvir Sultan, son of Sheikh Mohammad Sultan, a resident of Bemina in Srinagar was killed in the encounter along with a lady, Mamta Devi, on Monday. Two civilians, Ruby and Balbir Singh, suffered injuries.

“What is the truth in the killing of Bemina man? He was on way to Amritsar for treatment. I want the government to issue a statement and tell the House what the truth is in it” he told the Speaker.

Mohammad was seconded by senior NC leader Ali Mohammad Sagar who alleged that the encounter was "staged" and sought clarification from the government, drawing sharp reaction from the BJP members.

"The area is observing shutdown and stone pelting incidents have broken out. The government should make a statement," Sagar, who represents Khanyar assembly segment told the House.

J&K's agriculture minister, Ghulam Nabi Hanjura, later made a statement in the Lower House, saying that the police had received information about the movement of militants in Kud on Tuesday evening.

“The CRPF and JKP started searching vehicles at Karnal, Nallah Kud and an SRTC bus bearing registration number JK02y:0444 was stopped. When passengers were asked to get down from bus, a person started firing on forces personnel, resulting in bullet injuries to three persons," Lone said.

The Minister said Mamta Devi succumbed to her injuries while Ruby and Balbir Singh were shifted to hospitals in Udhampur region, “After the firing, the forces retaliated which resulted in the killing of one militant,” the minister said.

He said an AK 47, pistol, and other ammunition was recovered from the slain militant, "An FIR number 53/206 stand registered in Kud police station and investigations have been taken up under Unlawful Activities Act,” the minister said.

After Lone finished making the statement, the Hindu rightwing lawmaker from Nowshehra constituency, Ravinder Raina, stood up and told the house that the rise in militant attacks in the state was a serious issue which must be tackled.

On this, Congress legislator from Banihal, Vikar Rasool, cut short Raina, reminding him that his party was part of the government, "The member is making an admission of failure on behalf of the government," Rasool told the House.

(Cover photo: representational image of uproar in JK Assembly during the budget session)