Pulwama encounter: Story of a student who turned terrorist

Srinagar, Aug 6: It was like a salmon run end for Afzal Talib Shah, a suspected LeT terrorist, who was killed by the security forces in an encounter closer home in Pulwama today.

The encounter killing of Shah, also brought under renewed focus growing radicalisation of educated youths in the Valley who are increasingly taking to arms after bidding farewell to educational pursuit.

23-year-old Shah, a category 'A' militant, who was said to have swiftly risen up the Lashkar-e-Taiba ranks after joining the terrorist outfit only last April, was shot dead at Asthan Mahalla at Kakpora in Pulwama, where he had gone to meet his family.

Shah, who was allegedly involved in terror activities in Pulwama town, Tahab and several other parts of the Valley, ran out of luck when the information leaked.

The area was cordoned off and, in the ensuing encounter, also involving 30 Rashtriya Rifles, Shah was killed.

Salmons are known to spend their early lives in rivers and then swim out to the sea before returning to the river and dying.

Shah, before plunging into militancy, had enrolled himself for a post-graduation course in history. He, however, used to attend religious congregations that radicalised him.

Shah underwent arms training under a Lashkar group headed by Qassim, an operations commander believed to be a Pakistani national.

According to estimates of the security agencies, nearly 100 young educated men have given up studies and picked up guns in the Valley over the last few months.

PTI