In a high-stakes day of operations across Kashmir, security forces neutralised two militants in separate encounters, with four security personnel sustaining injuries.
The operation intensified on Saturday, particularly in Srinagar’s Khanyar area and Anantnag district. Key developments included the elimination of a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, identified as Usman Bhai, in Khanyar.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, confirmed the death of the high-ranking militant, noting Usman’s involvement in multiple attacks on security forces and civilians, including the killing of Inspector Manzoor.
The first confrontation erupted in central Srinagar’s Khanyar area, where a joint team from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated a cordon-and-search operation based on intelligence of militant presence.
As the forces advanced, militants opened fire, resulting in a fierce gunfight. “Two CRPF jawans and two police personnel were injured in the exchange,” a security source said, adding that the wounded were swiftly evacuated to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
IGP Birdi remarked, “Usman Bhai, a top LeT commander, was wanted in several cases involving attacks on security personnel and non-local residents. He was responsible for the recent killing of Inspector Manzoor.” His death is seen as a significant blow to the militant network in the region.
Shortly after the Khanyar encounter, another clash unfolded in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, where two militants were killed in a joint operation led by security forces in the Halkan Gali area of Shangus-Larnoo.
Intelligence had indicated militant activity in the area, and as the joint forces approached, they came under fire, sparking an intense exchange that ended in the deaths of the two insurgents.
Meanwhile, operations are ongoing in other parts of the Valley. Security forces are actively combing the dense forests of northern Kashmir's Bandipora region, following reports of militant presence.
This heightened activity across Kashmir comes amidst a recent surge in militant incidents, prompting heightened vigilance from security forces.
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