Srinagar
The physically challenged boy who was killed in “cross-firing” between paramilitary CRPF and militants at his hometown—Wangam Qaziabad Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district—was Tuesday buried at Sheeri in neighbouring Baramulla district “to prevent large gathering amid pandemic.”
Body of the 14-year-old Hazim Shafi Bhat, a student of 7th standard, was found near shootout site, minutes after three paramilitary CRPF personnel were killed and several others injured in an attack by militants on Monday evening.
“All the family members and NOK of the deceased were facilitated to the burial site by Tehsildar Kralgund personally to pay their last respects early morning (on Tuesday),” Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Anshul Garg told GNS.
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“This was done with due approval of Competent authorities to prevent any large gatherings in view of COVID restrictions as Kashmir is a red zone,” he added.
The slain Hazim’s uncle Haji Ghulam Mohammad Bhat said that 19 members of the family include three women participated in the funeral.
The police in a statement issued late last night said that boy was killed in cross-firing.
“Today (Monday) at about 1730 hrs (militants) fired indiscriminately upon a joint party of Police & CRPF deployed at Wangam Crossing in Kralgund area of Handwara to enforce strict lockdown in view of Covid-19 pandemic,” the spokesman had said.
“The fire was retaliated, however during the ensuing firefight 03 CRPF personnel of 92BN sustained grievous gunshot injuries who later on succumbed to their injuries,” the spokesman said, adding, “During cross firing, one civilian also got killed.”
Taking advantage of dense foliage of nearby orchards, the militants managed to escape from the spot, the spokesman added. (GNS)
