Srinagar, Feb 5 (GNS): Two militants of Lashker-e-Toiba were killed in an encounter in Zakura area in the city outskirts, police said on Saturday.
“Based on a specific input generated by police regarding the presence of (militants) in Rangpora Zakura area of Srinagar, a cordon and search operation was launched by Srinagar Police in the area,” a police spokesperson said in a statement to GNS.
“During the search operation, as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding (militants) fired indiscriminately upon the search party which was retaliated effectively, leading to an encounter,” he said, adding, “In the ensuing encounter, two (militants) were killed.”
They have been identified as Ikhlaq Ahmad Hajam son of Abdul Ahad Hajam of Kujer Frisal Kulgam and Adil Nisar Dar son of Nisar Ahmad of Malangpora Pulwama. He said both were linked with LeT (TRF).
“As per police records, Ikhlaq Ahmad was active since June-2021 and Adil Nisar was active since August-2021. Both were categorized (militants) and part of groups involved in several cases including attack on Police/SF”.
Besides, he said, they were also instrumental in motivating the “gullible youth” to join militant folds and reviving the OGW network.
“Ikhlaq was the mastermind behind the recent killing of head constable Ali Mohammad at Hasanpora Anantnag on January 29. He was also involved in an IED blast on Qaimoh-Yaripora road on 18 January 2022,” he said, adding, “Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including two pistols and five hand grenades were recovered from the site of encounter.”
He said IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated Srinagar Police for carrying out the anti-militancy operation in “professional manner without any collateral damage.”
