A most wanted terrorist belonging to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed in an encounter with the Rashtriya Rifles in the higher reaches of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday, security officials said.
While the Army’s Chinar Corps did not immediately disclose the identity of the slain terrorist, security officials identified him as Sulaiman Shah, alias “Musa”. The operation was continuing in the area and further details were awaited.
Gunfight in Yousmarg
The Army said it had launched an operation along with other security forces in the general area of Korag, Yousmarg, following information about the presence of terrorists.
According to the Army, troops noticed suspicious activity during the operation. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which one terrorist was killed.
Officials said Musa was neutralised during the gunfight in the remote forest area of Dudhpathri. Security forces continued their operation in the area after the encounter.
Wanted in attacks
According to security officials, Musa had been wanted for his alleged involvement in several attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over the past several years.
Officials said he had managed to escape during an encounter in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month. His close associate Yasir was killed during that operation on September 5.
Security agencies had since been tracking Musa’s movement in the region, officials said.
Setback for LeT
Officials described Musa’s killing as a significant setback for the LeT network operating in Jammu and Kashmir, given his alleged involvement in militant activities across the Pir Panjal region.
Security forces were continuing searches in the forested area to ascertain whether other terrorists were present. Further details about the operation and the slain terrorist were awaited.