Top Lashker commander killed in north Kashmir

Srinagar Jan 15 (UNI) A top foreign commander of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) was killed in a joint operation by security forces in north Kashmir, a senior police officer said.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Ganderbal, said Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, 145 battalion CRPF and 13 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint operation at Ajas, Bandipora, today following a tip-off about the presence of militants there.

He said when the troops were about to storm a particular house, they came under indiscriminate firing.

The fire was returned and in the ensuing encounter, a self styled District Commander of LeT Abu Kital alias Abu Hamza of Pakistan was killed.

One AK rifle, one Magazine and 25 round of ammunition were also recovered from the slain militant.

The SP said the militant was involved in a number of militancy related incidents, including killing of Ashiq Latief at Hajan, Hamid Chacha at Bazipora, Bashir Ahmed at Nadihal, Abdul Rashid and his wife at Bazipora and Noor Kawa at Hajan.

Besides, he had also murdered one Ghulam Hassan Qureshi, his wife daughter by slitting their throat.

He had also killed Head Constable Mushtaq Ahmed at Hajan and a Special Police Officer (SPO) Mushtaq Ahmed, the officer said.

Police and RR also busted a hideout at Tapper Bala in Baramulla district and recovered seven hand grenades, seven AK magazines, ten Electronic detonators, 200 rounds of AK ammunition and three Kg Explosive.

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