Saleem.Pandit    

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, including a top commander of the terror outfit, were killed even as one of the terrorists surrendered in Cheddar area of Qaimoh in Kulgam district of South Kashmir on Sunday. One civilian’s life was lost during the operation against the militants when he was caught in the crossfire.

J&K DGP SP Vaid confirmed the killings of two militants and one civilian, a stonepelter, during the encounter. He said one of the slain militants was a divisional commander of Lashkar. At least nine militants have been killed ever since governor’s rule was imposed in J&K last week after the BJP toppled the Mehbooba Mufti-led government.

According to reports, clashes with security forces erupted when a group of stonepelters tried to disrupt an antiterror operation. However, the police said there were no clashes but the civilian, identified as 23-year-old Yawar Ahmad, a resident of Gassipora in Kulgam, was hit by a bullet in the crossfire. Yawar succumbed to his injuries on way to a hospital in Anantnag.

The slain militants have been identified as Shakoor Ahmad Dar, a resident of Sopat Tengpora in Kulgam, and Haider from Pakistan. The surrendered militant has been identified as Shakir Ahmad of Sopat Tengpora. Shakir had joined Lashkar some two months ago, the police said.

Defence PRO Rajesh Kalia said pursuing the policy of giving an opportunity to local militants to shun the path of violence and resume normal life, security forces had motivated Shakir to surrender.

Slain militant Shakoor was operating as the divisional commander of the proscribed terror outfit, the police said, adding that several terror-related cases were registered against him in different police stations of South Kashmir. He was involved in a number of civilian atrocities and attacks on security establishments in the area

At least nine militants have been killed ever since governor’s rule was imposed in J&K last week

Saleem.Pandit@timesgroup.com

Courtesy: Times Group: 25062018