Two militants, including top LeT commander, killed in Pampore encounter

Top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Umar Mushtaq Khandey, who was trapped in an encounter with security forces in the Pampore area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district has been killed along with another militant, Jammu and Kashmir Police informed on Saturday.

Pulwama (Jammu & Kashmir):Top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Umar Mushtaq Khandey, who was trapped in an encounter with security forces in the Pampore area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district has been killed along with another militant, Jammu and Kashmir Police informed on Saturday.

Khandey was among the top 10 targets of Jammu and Kashmir police, who was involved in the killing of two police personnel at Baghat, Srinagar and other terror activities. Police said incriminating materials, including arms & ammunition, were recovered from the possession of the militants. A search operation has been launched in the area.

"LeT terrorist Umar Mustaq Khandey who martyred our 2 colleagues SgCT Mohd Yousf & Ct Suhail Ah in Baghat, Srinagar while they were having tea, neutralised in Drangbal, Pampore. Amongst various other crimes of the terrorists, this stands out as most unforgivable," tweeted Kashmir Zone Police.

"We are committed to hunt down these terrorists who try to create fear among masses and spread mischief & tumult in the valley. Such elements and their name should be excised from society," the tweet added.

Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar, however, on Saturday admitted that "providing security to all soft targets not possible but police well equipped to handle the situation."

"I have said several times that there is no security lapse. Soft targets who were attacked had no security cover. It's not possible to provide security to everyone but police are well equipped to handle the situation," Kumar said.

He further said, "We have identified all the assailants and two of them have already been killed. The remaining three will also be gunned down soon."

Speaking about the security situation, he said, "politicians job is to talk gibberish. The police know how to deal with the current situation. A doctor knows how to treat a patient, likewise, we know how to handle security scenarios. We are doing our best to maintain peace in the region."

"Two militants (Shahid and Tanzeel) were killed yesterday. They were part of the group that killed teachers. Mehran Shalla fired on them with a pistol and these two were also with him. A group of five militants were behind the killings," he said.

On Pampore gunfight, he said, "Late last night, Awantipora police received information that two militants are hiding in the area. A cordon was laid with the army and CRPF. We provided the opportunity to surrender which they refused."