LeT commander killed in gun battle in Kashmir

The police on Saturday claimed to have killed a Laskhar-e-Taiba commander in a gunbattle in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, more than 90 km away from Srinagar.

The gunbattle started on Friday night in Dardpora, Lol pora, when security forces cordoned off the area.

A police official said the militant hiding there opened fire, ensuing an exchange of fire.

The slain militant was identified as Abu Usama, a LeT commander, who worked under alias Zarar.

Security agencies claim the slain militant was from Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

He is believed to be part of the group comprising three to four members that infiltrated around six months ago.

Two more militants are believed to be hiding inside the area. “The operation is on,” said the police officer.

Dozens of locals participated in the last rites of the slain militant. The area also observed a shutdown.