Kashmir: 2 militants killed, LeT commander Junaid Mattoo said to be among dead | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Kashmir: 2 militants killed, LeT commander Junaid Mattoo said to be among dead

Srinagar | By
Jun 16, 2017 05:57 PM IST

The encounter started at 10am in Kulgam’s Arwani village after intelligence officials received tip-off about three Lashkar militants inside a house.

Two militants, including a commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, were reportedly killed on Friday in a gunfight with security forces in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Five civilians received pellet injuries when they made an attempt to stall the counter-insurgency operation on Kulgam on Friday, officials said.(HT file)
Five civilians received pellet injuries when they made an attempt to stall the counter-insurgency operation on Kulgam on Friday, officials said.(HT file)

The gunbattle started at about 10am in Arwani village after security forces, including army personnel, cordoned off the houses in Malik Mohalla following an intelligence tip-off that three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were present inside, officials said. When the forces closed in, the militants opened fire triggering an encounter, police said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The terrorists opened fire at the security forces after being asked to surrender. In the gunfight, two of the terrorists have been killed. One of them is reportedly identified as Lahskar commander Junaid Mattoo,” CRPF deputy inspector general M. Dinakaran told IANS.

Mattoo, who carries a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was involved in a day light attack last year on a police van in which three policemen, including an officer, were killed. His involvement is also suspected in the killing of a policeman in Kulgam on Thursday afternoon.

Reports from the area said the security forces used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to blast the two houses where the militants had been hiding.

A civilian identified as Muhammad Ashraf Khar, 22, was killed in clashes between the security forces and a stone pelting mob which gathered near the encounter site. Twelve protesting civilians were injured in these clashes.

Chatter from the terror group had suggested that besides Mattoo, the Lashkar militants are believed to be one Azad Malik and a Pakistani national.

(With agency inputs)

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On