Lashkar's Operation Chief, Body Guard Killed in Kashmir Gunfight

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, July 3: The Operations chief of Pakistan based militant group, Lashkar-e-Toiba and his body guard were killed in a fierce gunfight with Indian army personnel in Kashmir.

Kashmir's police chief, S M Sahai told media that police received specific information that militant commander and his accomplice were present in a house in South Kashmir. He said that after receiving the inputs, police, army and para-military personnel laid siege around Naina, Batapora, Sangam area in South Kashmir and launched combing operations.

"While the troops were conducting house to house searches, they came under heavy fire from militants hiding in the area. The fire was returned by the troops, triggering an encounter. In the ensuing gunfight, which lasted for more than four hours, Lashkar's operation chief and his body guard were killed," the police chief said.

He identified the Lashkar's operation chief as Abu Atif alias Shadak of Gujranwalian, Pakistan. His body guard was identified as Syed Moin of Pakistan.

"Atif was active in the area for the last 10 years and presently was operational chief of Lashkar not only for Kashmir but for carrying and planned attacks in different parts of India", he said.

"The slain militant commander was instrumental in the attack on para-military camp at Rampur in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and at Science Congress in Indian city of Bangalore by supplying arms to the militants who attacked it", he said.

The police chief further claimed that the slain militant commander was involved in the killing of 50 soldiers and civilians.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.

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