Top LeT commander, involved in Shalimar blast, killed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir police claimed to have killed two militants of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT), including a top commander, who was responsible for Shalimar blast and attack on an MLA and a senior Army officer in the valley.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Pulwama, Abdul Qayoum said acting a tip-off about the presence of militants in Ganowpora-Habdipora area, under the jurisdiction of police station Shopian, a joint operation was launched by the police, 166 batallion CRPF and 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) yesterday afternoon.

As the troops were about to storm a particular house, militants hiding inside, opened fire. The fire was returned and in the ensuing gun battle, which continued till late in the night, two miltants were killed.

Mr Qayoum identified one of the militants as Abhai Rather alias Sad Bhai alias Kubaid, a local resident and a District Commander of LeT. The other militant has been identified as Shiraj Ahmad alias Umar.

Rather was involved in the Shalimar blast in a tourist bus in which seven persons, including seven Gujaratis were killed on July 29, this year.

The ASP Qayoum said he was also involved in THE attack on MLA Wachi Mohammad Khalil Naik near village Muradpora Check Cholan and commanding officer of 62 RR.

He had also made an unsuccessful attempt on the life of Sub District Magistrate, Shopian.

Both the militants were wanted in a number of other militancy related incidents in the Kashmir valley, particuarly in south Kashmir.

UNI