Syed Ali Geelani had issued a statement on Sunday that the slain militant was killed in a ‘staged encounter’ by forces in north Kashmir and demanded an inquiry into the case.
SRINAGAR: Pakistan based militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen Monday contradicted the claims of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani that the militant who died in a gunfight in north Kashmir on Sunday was killed in a fake encounter.
Paying tributes to the slain militant, Muhammad Shafi Sheik alias Shafi Peer, a native of Zaloora village of Sopore who was killed in a gun fight with forces at Bhat Mohalla in Seloo area of Sopore, spokesperson of Hizbul Mujahideen, Baleeg-u-Din, said Shafi was a bold and well-trained militant who laid his precious life for Kashmir cause.
“Our mujahid Shafi saheb did not surrender but fought till he attained martyrdom. Hizbul Mujahideen salutes his will and dedication and will remember and honour him always. Hizb mourns his death and pledges to take this ongoing Kashmir Freedom Movement forward,” he told Srinagar based CNS news agency.
Syed Ali Geelani had issued a statement on Sunday that the slain militant was killed in a ‘staged encounter’ by forces in north Kashmir and demanded an inquiry into the case.
“Mohammad Shafi Sheikh of Zaloora was arrested by SOG and 22-RR and then murdered in custody and cunningly staged a fake encounter to hide this murder. We are seeking an independent investigation into this fake encounter. It is the responsibility of the local human rights activists and organizations to investigate this inhuman act,” the statement issued by Geelani noted.