Gunfight in which Zakir Musa was killed lasted several hours

Zakir Musa, founder of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind outfit, was killed by the security forces after a gunfight that lasted for most of the night intervening Thursday and Friday in Dadsara village of Tral, Pulwama district.

While Zakir is believed to have been killed after engagingthe forces for several hours, his body was recovered in the morning from thedebris of the house in which he was hiding and which was blown up by theforces.

   

The house belongs to Mudasir Ahmad who is in police custody.

“After giving a tough fight, Musa was finallyeliminated,” said an army soldier while returning from the gunfight site.

An official said that during the search operation launchedThursday evening, Musa turned down offer to surrender and fired UBGL grenades.

Braving curfew and heavy rains, tens of thousands of peoplethronged Musa’s native Noorpora village amid pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogansto participate in the funeral and to have his last glimpse. Funeral prayerswere offered to the deceased militant 12 times. Several militants showed up atthe funeral. One of them offered gun salute to Musa. People kissed his face,and those who couldn’t kiss him touched his body before bidding him finaladieu.

“I have come from Palhalan Pattan to have last glimpse ofZakir Musa,” said Muhammad Wajid.

Meanwhile, the security forces deployed across south Kashmirimposed strict restrictions. Forces were pelted with stones by protesters. Theforces in response lobbed tear smoke shells to disperse the protesting youth.The clashes continued throughout the day but no casualty or injury took place.

Spontaneous protests broke out in Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam,Awantipora and Anantnag after Friday prayers, with people shouting slogans infavour of Musa.

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