An encounter in Sopore in North Kashmir became an unexpected problem for Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday when four hundred locals came out to attend the funeral of the militant killed in the encounter despite a lockdown to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.

People gathered outside JeM militant Sajad Nawab Dar's house even as the government health advisories and regulations strictly prohibit any gathering right now so that people may not come in contact with another possible Covid-19 person.

Jammu and Kashmir has reported 144 cases of a novel coronavirus, out of which 134 are active cases.

Following the incident, Sopore Police on Wednesday night registered FIR against unknown persons who gathered at the funeral of the JeM militant for violating the Covid-19 protocols and government directives regarding the social gathering.

Sources in UT administration said with a spike in Covid-19 cases in Kashmir valley, it is imperative people remain inside homes. A top officer said video footage is being examined to identify culprits.

It is pertinent to mention here that Sajad Nawab Dar's family had given in writing that they will adhere to social distancing when the dead body was handed over to them after completing medico-legal formalities. The investigation is set into motion and defaulters will be dealt strictly as per law.

Nineteen fresh cases of the novel coronavirus were detected in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, taking the total number of Covid-19 cases in the Union Territory to 144, officials said.