Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday said the three militants killed in a gunfight with the forces in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district were involved in the abduction and killing of police constable Mohd Saleem yesterday.

“In a significant breakthrough, concerted efforts of the security forces resulted in the elimination of the prime accused involved in the yesterday’s abduction and killing of Constable Mohd Saleem of JKP at Kulgam,” said a police spokesman, in a statement.

“On the basis of the incriminating materials seized, the killed militants were identified as Muawiya, a foreigner of Pakistani origin, Suhail Ahmad Dar of Redwani Balaa and Mudassar Bhat @Rehaan of Katarsoo; all involved in the killing of Constable Mohd Saleem.”

As per police records, the slain militants were affiliated with LeT and HM. “Mauwiya’s involvement was established in a number of civilian killings,” said the spokesman.

“Suhail who was working as a laborer earlier after he had dropped out of school had later joined a militant outfit,” he said.

“Police probe is on for ascertaining complicity of the other co-conspirators who assisted in the commission of the gruesome crime leading to the death of police person Saleem.”

“Some arms and ammunition including but not limited to 2AK 47 rifles and a carbine have also been recovered from the site of encounter.”

Police has registered a case and investigation has been initiated into the matter. UNI