LeT commander and militants involved in Amarnath Yatra attack killed

Srinagar: A self-styled Divisional Commander (DC) was among three militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) killed in a fierce encounter with security forces which ensued on Monday afternoon when an Army convoy was attacked on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Kulgam district.A militant in an injured condition was also arrested during the encounter, Director General of Police (DGP) Dr S P Vaid said on Tuesday morning.A soldier was also martyred while two others besides two civilians were injured in the encounter.

Giving details about the encounter, official sources said that an Army convoy on way to Srinagar from Jammu was attacked by militants at Bongam, Kulgam, on the highway Monday afternoon. Three soldiers were injured in the initial attack, they said, adding that the militants later fled away and entered a nearby house.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the entire area to foil any attempt by militants to escape, they said, adding that when militants were asked to surrender, they continued heavy firing from inside the house.

Sources said the house was later blasted after the militants refused to surrender and continued firing with automatic weapons.Describing the killing of militants a great success, the DGP congratulated security forces involved in the operation.He said three militants were killed and another was captured alive in an injured condition who was shifted to hospital. This is the third time security forces arrested a militant in an injured condition and admitted him to hospital in Kashmir.

Dr Vaid said the slain militants were identified as Furkan, Abu Maviya, both foreigners, and a local Yawar.He said Furkan , a Pakistani militant, had taken over as Divisional commander of LeT after the elimination of Ismail. (UNI)