Two top commanders of JeM, LeT killed in north Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 7 (UNI) Two self-styled top commanders of Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed in two different encounters by the security forces in north Kashmir since last evening, a police spokesman said.

He said based on specific information about the presence of militants, troops of 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), 179 battalion CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation at mohalla Ibrahim, Warpora, Sopore, about 55 km from here early this morning.

''During the operation an encounter took place in which a self- styled divisional commander of JeM Barakatullah Ansari alias Hyder, a resident of Pakistan was killed. Four soldiers were also injured in the encounter, the spokesman said, adding he was involved in a number of militancy-related incidents in north Kashmir.

He said in an another encounter security forces gunned down a divisional commander of LeT at Badshah Mohalla, Dangerpora, Sopore.

The slain commander, identified as Mohammad Abid Ali alias Usman, had been active in Jammu and Kashmir for the past eight years.

However, locals alleged that both were killed in fake encounters.

Some arms and ammunition, including a satellite phone, were recovered from the slain militants.

UNI BAS YSS KK AS1601