Srinagar: Security forces today killed two Pakistan-supported terrorists, including a top commander who was responsible for several attacks in Kashmir, particularly targeting minorities, civilians and police.
The terrorists were killed this morning in a gunfight which started late last night in Redwani Payeen village of Kulgam district of Kashmir.
The encounter took place after security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the village on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists there, police said.
The operation was suspended during the night because of darkness but a strict vigil was maintained to ensure the holed up terrorists did not escape.
This morning, the gunfight restarted and shortly thereafter the two terrorists were killed.
One of them was identified as Basit Ahmed Dar, commander of the so-called ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF) which is believed to be a frontal organisation of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit.
Basit was a resident of Kulgam district only and carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, announced by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in July last year.
IGP Kashmir V K Birdi told reporters that Basit Dar was Category “A” terrorist, implying that he was among the most wanted terrorists.
He said Dar’s killing was “a significant achievement” for the security forces as the slain terrorist was involved in more than 18 cases in Srinagar city, including killing of police persons and innocent civilians.
The terrorist was also involved in planning and carrying out of attacks on minorities, civilians and security forces, the IGP said.
The police officer said the two terrorists, after being cornered by the security forces, were given an opportunity to surrender. However, they did not heed to the calls and opened fire on the joint forces, he added.
