Srinagar, Sept 28 (GNS): “Operational Commander of Lashker-e-Toiba militant outfit was among two militants killed in a gunfight in Samboora Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police said on Monday.
“On a specific input regarding presence of (militants) in Samboora area of Awantipora, a joint cordon and search operation was launched yesterday by Police, 50RR and 110BN CRPF in the area,” a police spokesperson said.
During the search operation, he said, as the presence of militants got ascertained, they were given opportunity to surrender. However, he said, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated, leading to an encounter.
The (militants) made failed attempts to escape from the spot but were challenged by the joint search party. In the ensuing encounter two (militants) were killed however, the search operation was suspended due to darkness and the whole area was put under strict cordon.”
In the wee hours, he said, the search operation was resumed and the bodies of both the killed militants were retrieved from the site of encounter.
They have been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Reshi and Sajad Ahmad Sofi both residents of Awantipora affiliated with LeT.
“As per police records, Aijaz Reshi was operational commander of LeT and was active since May 2016. He was involved in many militant (attacks) and civilian atrocities. He was involved in recruiting innocent youth into militant folds besides, was also providing shelter and logistic support to the active (militants) operating in the area and transportation of (militants ) to carry out attacks.”
He was involved in Fristbal and Kadlabal pampore attacks besides, transportation of militants to carry out EDI attack, the spokesperson said in a statement to GNS.
Similarly, he said, Sajad was involved in many militant activities and civilian “atrocities”. “Both the killed (militants) were part of groups responsible for carrying out attacks. Many cases stands registered against both for their activities.”
Meanwhile, he said keeping in view the prevailing pandemic due to COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of people from inherent risk of contracting the infection, the bodies have sent to Baramulla for burial after completion of all medico-legal formalities. (GNS)
