SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have blamed the Lashkar-e-Islam, which they said is a breakaway faction of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), for the series of civilian killings in the Sopore town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district and detained seven persons for questioning in connection with the targeted killings. “We have got credible information that Lashkar-e-Islam was responsible for the series of civilian killings in the Sopore town,” IGP S J M Gilani told Express.
Even as the authorities claimed to have identified the perpetrators of the slayings, Sopore observed a complete shutdown on Tuesday to protest against the deaths, which have created a fear psychosis in the area.
Police have issued a lookout notice in Sopore for the two HM militants suspected of involvement in the attacks -- Abdul Qayoom Najar and Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. Besides, they have announced a reward of `10 lakh for information leading to the duo’s capture.
A hitherto unknown group, the Lashkar-e-Islam had claimed responsibility for the recent attacks on mobile phone towers and telecom outlets in Sopore. The attacks took place after the police seized communication equipment the militant group had reportedly fitted atop a mobile phone tower.
The IGP, further, said the breakaway group had defied the HM high command.
“They are refusing to take orders from the HM high command and operating on their own. We have information that the group consists of 10-12 persons,” he said.
“All angles are being looked into and probed. We have so far detained seven persons for questioning and will soon make arrests,” Gilani added.
