Lashkar-i-Toiba’s top commander Abu Dujana was killed along with his associate in an encounter with government forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
Dujana, who escaped on numerous occasions despite being trapped during nine years of his stay in Kashmir Valley, was finally killed in the encounter with army, SOG and CRPF at Hakdipora area in Newa village of Pulwama district.
The cordon-and-search operation was launched during pre-dawn hours in the area following a specific information about the presence of Dujana and his associates.
The house in which the militants were trapped has been razed to rubble. Dujana and his associate Asif Lilhari have been killed in this encounter, both the bodies have been recovered.
According to latest reports, a civilian who was injured in protest has lost his life.
LIVE UPDATES:
#12:50 PM: All schools and colleges have been closed due to law and order situation
#12:15 PM
-In spite of our warnings&requests ppl on behest of terrorists tend to come in b/w encounter,that is how they get injured/killed: IG Kashmir
-He was not really involved in many attacks, vo yahan aiyyashi kar raha tha bas, was a nuisance: J Sandhu,GOC 15 Corps
-Stone pelting or no pelting, disruptions or no disruptions, our operations will continue: Munir Khan, IG Police
-Quantum of fire from terrorists' side was very heavy. Terrorists Abu Dujana & Arif killed. One civilian casualty: Munir Khan, IG Kashmir
-Abu Dujana was a category A++ LeT terrorist: J Sandhu, GOC 15 Corps
#WATCH Encounter between security forces & terrorists in J&K's Pulwama (Visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/WH7kUrem94
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017
#SpotVisuals LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice killed in Hakripora Pulwama (Visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/T6A2bfSrGN
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017
Internet services have been suspended in the district to avoid stone pelting and protests on the encounter site.
According to news agency ANI, the firing has stopped in the region but a search operation is underway. Locals have begun heavy stone pelting
The cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in wee hours of the morning. Soon gunshots were heard and quickly an encounter broke out.
Read | Exclusive: LeT commander Abu Dujana appears in latest video
At least two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped inside a house. More details are awaited.
J&K: Encounter between Security forces and terrorists begins in Pulwama. 2-3 terrorists trapped ( Visuals deferred by unspecified time ) pic.twitter.com/ILZIMOMbhH
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017
Also read:
J&K: Terrorist gunned down by security forces in encounter in Baramulla's Uri sector