Laskar militant killed in police encounter

Lucknow, Mar 8: In the backdrop of the twin blast in Varanasi last evening, Uttar Pradesh police shot dead a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant in an encounter near Gosaiganj area of the state capital early today.

Police here said that the militant, who was coming from Varanasi in a truck, was challenged by the police team near the Sharda canal, on the outskirts of the state capital.

Police had to retaliate when the ultra opened fire on them.

More than 2.5 kg RDX and detonators were recovered from the possession of the slain militant, Salar alias Sartaj alias Doctor.

A foreign made pistol and some live cartridges were recovered from the possession of the deceased.

Salar was wanted in several cases of serial blasts in the country, police said. Delhi government had also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 on the head of Salar.

Sources said that probe was underway to ascertain whether the militant was involved in the yesterday's serial blast in Varanasi.

Meanwhile, a report from Srinagar quoting Inspector General of Jummu and Kashmir police K Rajinder Kumar said the LeT commander Salar, alias Majeed alias Doctor, a resident of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, was wanted in a number militancy-related cases in the state.

He said based on a specific information, a party of JK police went to UP a few days ago to nab the militant.

The ultra was killed during a joint operation of JKP and UP task force, launched after information was received that the militant would be travelling from a particular route.

Salar headed the Harkat militant outfit in early nineties in the Kashmir valley.

Mr Kumar said it was a very big success for the police against the militant in the country.

UNI