Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 26: In a major success, security forces today killed district commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit in Shopian district of South Kashmir.
SP Shopian, Mumtaz Ahmad, told Excelsior that on specific information provided by the district Police regarding the presence of LeT commander in village Hushanpore, a major operation was launched of Police, 62 Rashtriya Rifles of Army and 14 Battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The SP said that during the operation, militants opened fire on the security forces, who returned the fire leading to a gunbattle during which one militant was killed. He identified the militant as Abass Reshi alias Abid Bhai son of Bashir Ahmad Reshi resident of Ali-Shahpora, Zainapora, District commander of LeT.
Mumtaz said that one AK rifle and 50 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the searches of the area.
However, sources said that police had information about the presence of two militants including the LeT district commander Abbas Reshi when the cordon was laid around the village. “One of the militants managed to escape when cordon was being laid”, sources added.
One civilian Ghulam Ahmad Parry was also injured in the gun battle and he was removed to hospital for treatment. He is stated to be out of danger.
The Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, A G Mir termed the killing of the LeT commander as a major success for Police and Security forces in South Kashmir.
Sources said Abbas was motivated by former LeT commander, Mudasir Sheikh, into militancy. Sheikh was killed in a gun battle early this year. Abbas was a local trained militant and was active since July 2012.
Earlier, the LeT commander was active in Kulgam district of South Kashmir and in July he was made LeT district commander for Shopian.
SP Mumtaz said that Abbas was involved in number of militancy related incidents including hurling of grenade on Army and firing on Police Station Zainapora. “He was also involved in the killing of a released militant Shabir Ahmad Mir in September this year”, the SP said.
The SP said that Abbas was also involved in the killing of a CRPF man and injuring another one in an attack in Awnera, Shopian.
The commander was also involved in the motivating and recruitment of local youth into militancy. He recently recruited one Ashfaq Ahmad in the LeT.
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