The killing of a student turned militant in a nocturnal shootout sparked a massive protest at Kashmir University on Thursday.According to police, Showkat Ahmed Bhat was killed in an ambush laid by 50 RR of army and Special Operations Group of he state police in Dougam Kakapora.An official said that Bhat was involved in grenade attack in Pattan that left three cops, including an officer, wounded. Reports said that hostel boarders assembled at the main campus of Kashmir University in Hazratbal and staged a protest against the killing of Showkat Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Padgampora, Awantipora.The slain militant, according to the protesting students, was pursuing B. Pharmacy course at the Varsity. He had joined militancy on October 2 and was associated with Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen.The protesting students paid homage to the slain militant outside the B. pharmacy department of the University and marched towards Sir Syed Gate to offer funeral prayers in absentia as well. (CNS)