TAP TO UNMUTE Photo Credit: Times Now

J&K: After three militants were killed by security forces in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, sources have indicated to TIMES NOW that one of the militants played a key role in the lynching of Mohammad Ayub Pandith, a deputy superintendent, near Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir’s capital Srinagar.

While a large crowd was involved in the lynching, Gilkar allegedly played a huge role in initiating the attack, following which he went underground and subsequently joined Hizbul Mujahideen militants, claimed J&K police sources who confirmed the development.

Sources have also alleged that Gilkar was involved in multiple grenade attacks – the first one was on a CRPF camp at Nowhatta on April 2, the second on a police party at Khanyar on April 30, and the last one on a CRPF camp SafaKadal on June 6.

In light of the new revelation, sources also speculated that the mob, involved in the lynching of Pandith, consisted of Kashmiri separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's men, and the presence of Gilkar hints at a nexus between Hurriyat and the terror groups.

Read: DY SP Mohammed Ayub Pandith lynched to death near J&K mosque

This alleged revelation also strengthens BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav recent stand against the Hurriyat. He had earlier promised to ban the Hurriyat under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, in light of the recent events that have unfolded in the conflict-ridden Valley.

On June 22, a furious mob on Friday lynched a Deputy Superintendent of near Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Jammu and Kashmir’s capital Srinagar. As per news agency reports, he allegedly opened fire at a group of people who caught him clicking pictures near the mosque.

"Gilkar played a key role in the lynching of DSP Mohammad Ayub Pandith of the security wing," a police spokesman said today.

Shiekh were killed in an overnight gunbattle with security forces in Redbugh area of Budgam district this morning. "They (slain militants) were involved in recent weapon snatching incidents in the south and central Kashmir.

They were also involved in anti-national activities, unlawful activities, damaging of government property and stone pelting incidents," the spokesman said.

"They (slain militants) were involved in recent weapon snatching incidents in the south and central Kashmir. They were also involved in anti-national activities, unlawful activities, damaging of government property and stone pelting incidents," the spokesman added.

At least three people were injured in the firing, said sources from the region. The police officer identified as Mohammed Ayub Pandith was on duty when the mob attacked him, a police spokesman said.

Earlier police sources said that Pandith was seen moving around by people near Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area at 12.30 am.

He was allegedly clicking pictures of people while they were coming out of the mosque. They said people tried to catch Pandit who allegedly fired several shots from his pistol, injuring three persons. The irate mob then caught hold of him and stripped him naked before stoning him to death, the sources said.

The new development has been revealed a couple of days after 7 Amarnath yatra pilgrims were killed and several others injured in a terror attack that left the Valley in shock.

(With inputs from PTI)