Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 18

The J&K Police’s preliminary investigation into the killing of Lance Naik Mukhtar Ahmed Malik of the Territorial Army in south Kashmir’s Kulgam has pointed towards the involvement of local Hizbul Mujahideen militant group as the assailants had posed as journalists to gain entry into the house of the Army man.

“We have found the involvement of a local Hizb group in the killing,” a senior police officer said, requesting not be quoted.

The police have so far identified three members of the group who had posed as journalists and shot dead the off-duty soldier inside his house at Shurat village in Kulgam. Lance Naik Malik, 43, had gone home to mourn the death of his 17-year-old son who died on Friday.

“Terrorists are under immense pressures, especially in south Kashmir, and are carrying out such dastardly acts,” the officer said.

No militant group has so far owned the responsibility for the attack.

Before joining the Territorial Army, Lance Naiik Malik was associated with ‘Ikhwan,’ a government-backed counter-insurgency militia in the 1990s.

He is the second Army man killed by militants in Kashmir. On June 15 this year, Army jawan Aurangzeb was abducted and later killed in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Last year, Lt Umar Fayaz was killed by militants in Shopian.

Meanwhile, the Army on Tuesday paid befitting tributes to Lance Naik Malik.

In a solemn ceremony at Badamibagh Cantonment , Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Chinar Corps chief, and all ranks paid homage to the slain soldier, an Army spokesman said. Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to Lance Naik Malik.

“Late Lance Naik Mukhtar Ahmad Malik bravely resisted the attack by the terrorists but was overpowered and killed by them,” the spokesman said.

Lance Naik Malik had joined the Army in 2004. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Army pays tributes 

• The Army on Tuesday paid befitting tributes to Lance Naik Malik n In a solemn ceremony at Badamibagh Cantonment, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Chinar Corps chief, and all ranks paid homage to the soldier
• Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to Lance Naik Malik