Laskar Operations Commander, Army Officer Killed

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Oct 4: Two top commanders of Pakistan based militant group, Lashkar-e-Toiba and an Indian army officer were killed in a fierce gunfight in North Kashmir today.

An Indian army spokesman in Srinagar, Col A K Mathur said that army personnel received specific information about the presence of militants. They launched combing and search operations in Gamru area in Bandipora, some 48 kms from the summer capital Srinagar, during the preceding night. He said that while the soldiers were conducting combing operations, they came under fire from militants hiding in the area. The fire was returned by the troops, triggering an encounter. The gunfight between the militants and soldiers continued for more than five hours and culminated after the death of two Lashkar commanders and an army officer.

The spokesman identified the slain militants as Musa alias Abu Wafa and Quasim Buddy son of Prof Zahri-ur-Rehman. He stated that Abu Wafa was the Divisional commander of Lashkar while Quasim Buddy was the Chief operations commander of the militant group.

He identified the deceased army officer of Naib Subedar, Subash of 10 Para.

The police chief of Kashmir, S M Sahai said that Musa alias Abu Wafa was looking after the Lashkar operations in Bandipore. "The killing of the militant commander has given severe jolt to the Lashkar in North Kashmir", the IGP added.

He stated that two AK rifles, six magazines, two pouches, 106 rounds and two hand grenades were recovered from the encounter site.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.