Top Hizbul commander Azaad Lalhari killed in Pulwama

Azaad Lalhari, a top Hizbul Mujahideen commander was killed in an encounter with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district today. Lalhari was involved in the killing of a policeman earlier this year and had six FIRs against him.

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Azaad Lalhari was killed in a gunfight with security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, an official said on Wednesday.

"On specific intelligence by Jammu and Kashmir Police, an operation with security forces was launched in orchards near Kamrazipora, Pulwama on the intervening night of August 11 and 12," a senior police official said.

The official further said, "As the parties were laying the cordon, they came under heavy fire from the militants. An army jawan of 53 RR was killed during the gun battle."

"Security forces retaliated, forcing the militants to retreat. While fleeing one of them was killed after falling into a stream," he added.

According to the police officer, one AK47 along with grenades, pouches were recovered from him.

The slain militant was later identified as Hizbul Mujahideen's Azaad Ahmad Lone aka Azaad Lalhari. Lone was a resident of Pulwama's Lelhar village.

"Azaad Lalhari was involved in the killing of police head constable Anoop Singh on May 22, 2020 at Pulwama's Prichu area. There were six FIRs against him for militant related killings," J&K's Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said while confirming the identity of the slain militant.

Read:Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist gunned down, soldier killed in encounter

He further said, "Lalhari was earlier detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) as over ground worker of the Hizbul Mujahideen. After serving his PSA detention, he joined the militant ranks."

The slain Army soldier has been identified as Sowar Jilajeet Singh Yadav, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur district.

"During Operation Kamrazipora, one militant was eliminated and jawan Sowar Jilajeet Singh Yadav was killed in the line of duty," Srinagar-based Defence spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia told ETV Bharat.

He said, "Yadav was grievously injured during the gunfight and was subsequently evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries."

Meanwhile, in another incident today, one more Army jawan was injured when suspected militants fired upon a forces party at Hygam area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Read:J&K police busts Hizbul Mujahideen terror module in Budgam, arrests three