Srinagar, September 30: A most-wanted terrorist affiliated with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed in an encounter with security forces in the higher reaches of Budgam district in central Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.
The slain terrorist was identified by officials as Sulaiman Shah alias ‘Musa’, although the Chinar Corps did not officially disclose his identity.
The Army said security forces launched an operation in the Korag area of Yousmarg after observing suspicious movement. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which one terrorist was neutralised.
Officials said Musa was killed during the operation in the remote forest area of Dudhpathri. He was reportedly wanted in connection with several attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over the past several years.
Musa had also reportedly escaped an encounter in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month. His close associate Yasir was killed during that operation on September 5.
Security officials described Musa’s killing as a significant setback to LeT’s operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Further details about the operation are awaited.
