The assassination of ruling People’s Democratic Party legislator Abdul Aziz Mir last week was not just another militant attack. Police investigation indicates an ‘‘inside’’ job, involving, among others, Mir’s nephew, his personal security officer and his next-door neighbour — a surrendered militant. The fourth accomplice, the hitman, is yet to be identified.According to sources, police have already arrested Mir’s nephew, an employee in the Roads and Buildings Department, who reportedly nursed a grudge against the PDP leader. ‘‘Mir’s nephew lives in the same village. He also used to work as a part time contractor. After Mufti took over, he wanted Mir to help him get some contracts,’’ said a senior police officer. ‘‘And when Mir did not listen, he even threatened him with dire consequences’’.The prime accused has been identified as Niyaz Ahmad Sheikh, alias Kinga, a surrendered militant from Mir’s Konibal village. Kinga had earlier joined forces with the army. ‘‘But in 1994, he snapped ties with the security forces. He lives right next to the mosque compound where Mir was murdered on December 20, soon after offering Friday prayers,’’ said the officer. ‘‘We raided his house and possible hideouts but he is absconding.’’Sources say Kinga was operating as a platoon commander of a militant outfit. ‘‘He masterminded the conspiracy to kill Mir. But the murder was committed by a militant from Pulwama. Only one militant was involved in the shooting,’’ said the official, adding, ‘‘he knows the hitman. Once he is arrested, the case will be solved.’’The most startling revelation, however, is the involvement of Mir’s security officer, Abdul Qayoom, now in police custody. ‘‘There is enough evidence that Qayoom was in contact with Kinga. He was seen meeting Kinga a few hours before the murder. He also accompanied Mir to the mosque,’’ said the officer.Mir had eight policemen deputed for his security. Two were absent that day. ‘‘They say Mir gave them permission to go home for a few days. But this is illegal. The PSOs cannot leave the protectee without a replacement and cannot go on leave without informing their senior officers. Both of them were suspended,’’ said the officer.Four of the guards were reportedly eating lunch at Mir’s house. So, only two guards accompanied the MLA to the mosque. ‘‘It is a shame that only one was armed. Abdul Qayoom was without a weapon while constable Mohammad Ishaaq had a rifle. After the lone assailant opened fire on Mir outside the mosque, everybody saw him run away. The PSOs were mute spectators to the murder,’’ said the official.Ishaaq reportedly told the investigators that he couldn’t fire at the assailant as he dropped his rifle’s magazine. ‘‘To hide their complacency, both PSOs ran to Mir’s house and got their colleagues to the spot. They then opened fire in the air just to show that they had retaliated,’’ said the officer.
