MLA survives bid on life, top LeT commander killed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 8 (UNI) A senior leader of Communist party of India (M) and member of state Legislative Assembly survived bid on life while security forces shot dead a top commander of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) in Jammu and Kashmir today, an official spokesman said.

He said the militants attacked CPI senior leader and MLA Wacchi Muhammad Khaleel Naikoo near Chak Cholina in south Kashmir district of Shopian this afternoon .

The guards of Naikoo also retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for some time.

Mr Naikoo escaped unhurt in the attack.

However, the militants managed to escape, he said adding a massive operation has been launched to nab them (militants).

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The spokesman said on a secret information received by police a top militant of LeT was hiding in the house of Tariq Ahmad Wani, at Hanjipora, police and army immediately cordoned off the area from all exit points.

During the operation, troops came under heavy firing from a particular house. The fire was returned effectively and in the ensuing encounter an operational commander of LeT identified as Taib alias Abu Talah was killed.

One solider, one Police personnel and a civilian Tariq Ahmad received injuries during the encounter.

The injured have been shifted to hospital where their condition is said to be out of danger, he said.

One AK rifle, three Magazines and three grenades were recovered from the slain militant.

The said militant was accused of killing of an army commander and his body guard in the Bandipore.

He said militants fired towards police post Dandal, Bunjawah in Kishtwar district last night. the fire was returned and in the exchange of fire a Special Police Officer (SPO) sustained injuries.

The SPO was shifted to hospital, he said adding, however, militants managed to escape taking advantage of darkness.

A security force jawan was wounded when militants fired upon them at Cheel post in Poonch district of Jammu region last evening.

Security forces busted a militant hideout at Lah in Rajouri district and seized two AK magazines, 21 rounds and one wireless set with antenna, the spokesman said.

UNI