Army, Centre go after Pak

Security forces have launched massive anti-militancy operations in the forests of north and south Kashmir, killing five ultras, including dreaded Lashkar commander Abu Hamza. Three soldiers were injured in the encounters.

Army and special operations group of J&K police eliminated three top Pakistani LeT ultras in the Sathkuchi-Dhanipora forests in Kupwara’s Zachaldara area on Wednesday. The slain militants include LeT battalion commander Abu Hamza. The success was achieved three days after security forces laid an ambush after receiving inputs that 4-5 LeT militants were moving in the area.

On Wednesday morning, two militants walked into the ambush near Sathkuchi and were gunned down. The other two tried to escape but security forces sealed the exit.

“They were not expecting the troops there. When they reached the exit point, security forces opened fire, killing one and injuring another. The injured militant, however, disappeared in the thick forests,” said an officer. The police later recovered a diary belonging to Hamza.

Another encounter is raging for the past 24 hours in Gusiatnad forests of Pulwama’s Pampore area. It began on Tuesday.