Thousands participate in funeral of three slain militants

Tral: Three local militants killed in Gulshanpora Tral encounter yesterday here in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district were laid to rest at their native villages amid pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans.
Shakoor Ahmed Parrey of Laribal Tral, Zubair Ahmed Bhat and Tawseef Ahmed Thokar both residents of Charsoo Awantipora were killed in an encounter with Forces on Thursday-that was the first gunfight of the current year 2019.
Three soldiers were also wounded, one of them critically, in the gunfight.
At least six civilians were injured in clashes with the forces soon after the gunfight broke out.
Reports said that amid shutdown in Pulwama district, thousands of mourners visited the native villages of these slain militants to have their last glimpse. Reports added that back to back funeral prayers were offered for these militants at Laribal and Charsoo as people continued to flock in there.
An eye witness said that four rounds of funeral prayers each were held for Touseef Ahmad Thoker and Zubair Ahmed Bhat at Chursoo, Awantipora.
At Laribal in Tral, three rounds of funeral prayers were held for Shakoor Ahmad Parray. An eye witness said that his associates offered him a gun salute twice.
Meanwhile, a complete shutdown is being observed in the area with all shops and other commercial establishments shut. Internet continues to remain suspended for the second straight day in the area.