Top Lashker commander killed in north Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 8 (UNI) Security forces shot dead a top commander of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) during a fierce encounter in north Kashmir's Kupwara district today, police said.

Deputy Inspector General of police (Baramulla-Kupwara) range B Srinivas said, on a specific information received by police that a top militant of LeT is 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.

Meanwhile, SSP Kupwara Vijay Kumar giving further details of the encounter said that the slain militant Taib was an operational commander of LeT for the Bandpore area.

He had sneaked or shifted the area and escaped an encounter with the police and troops of 6 Rashtriya Rifles on August 5.

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

UNI