LeT commander, jawan killed in Udhampur

Jammu Sep 14 (UNI) An area commander of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba, believed to be involved in a massacre of 13 Hindus, and a Special Police Officer were killed and five jawans injured in an encounter in Basant Garh area in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Inspector General of Police (Jammu range) S P Vaid and Deputy Inspector General of police l T Mohanty (Udhampur and Doda) told mediapersons here in a joint operation by the army and the police in Panara area this morning, militants opened indiscriminate fire on the troops as they cordoned the area.

The fire was returned and in the ensuing gun-battle, LeT area commander Aizad Ahmed was killed. One AK rifle, a hand grenade and two magazines were recovered from him. He was also involved looting six 303 rifles along with 287 rounds from members of Village Defence Committee in Punara.

SPO Noor Alam and VDC member Mohammed Abbas wwere kiled in the encounter while five jawans were injured, Mr Mohanty said. The encounter was still on with another militant holed up in the area when reports last came in, he added.

In another incident, security forces arrested a HM militant, Mohammed Shafi, from Kishtwar division of Doda district last evening. One 303 rifle, a magazine and four rounds were recovered from him.

UNI RKS AK DB1908