SRINAGAR: Two militants killed in a gunfight with the counter-insurgent forces in Ranbirgarh area on the outskirts of Central Kashmir’s Srinagar district were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), police said.
An official said that the slain militants have been identified as Ishfaq Rashid a resident of village Sozeith and, Aijaj Bhat a resident of Laribal village in Kakapora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
He said Ishfaq was one of the top LeT commanders active since 2018 and wanted in many cases.
He added that on a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and army in Ranbirgarh area.
One of the two terrorists eliminated today was
Ishfaq Rashid resident of village Sozeith,Srinagar.
He was one of top LeT commanders active since 2018 and wanted in many cases of terror violence.
Other killed terrorist, Aijaj Bhat was important
LET cadre from Pulwama district. pic.twitter.com/6c9fQzBbgh— J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) July 25, 2020
“This operation based on a credible input was launched this morning,” he said.
“During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter,” an official said.
“In the ensuing encounter two militants were killed and bodies have been retrieved from the site of encounter.
Incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter, he added.
In the initial exchange of fire, one army soldier was also injured (Bulletin the leg). The injured soldier has been shifted to 92 Base hospital for further treatment, said an official.
