J&K: Top LeT commander killed in encounter with security forces in Soura

Srinagar, Dec 5: Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander was killed in the outskirts of the city by security personnel when he was making attempts to enter into the city.

Giving details of the incident, police said at least two militants travelling in a car tried to run away from a check point at Ahmadnagar in Soura area this afternoon.

The policemen chased the car and in the ensuing gun battle, one militant identified as Qari Israr was gunned down. One AK-47 rifle was recovered from him.

The area has been cordoned off as another militant had taken refuge in a house in the same locality. Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police K Rajendra told PTI that it was a "brilliant operation" by his men as the deceased militant was wanted in many cases.

Israr is a Pakistani national and had been active in this area. Police had intensified random search of vehicles following intelligence inputs that militants might carry out a suicide attack in the city ahead of the elections and the scheduled rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

In another incident in Shopian, militants hurled a grenade at a police ambush party. The details of the incident were not known yet as security personnel had launched a massive manhunt to nab the militants in Shopian in south Kashmir.

Shopian area has been vulnerable as militants coming from Doda region through Peer Panjal Range have been using this area as a transit spot.

PTI