Srinagar: Security forces shot dead one more militant in an ongoing operation in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, taking the toll to two , officials said. The dead included Lashkar-e-Toiba most wanted militant commander Yousuf Kantroo who was allegedly involved in a series of killings including that of a Block Development Council Chairman, a Kashmiri soldier, a Special Police Officer and his brother in Budgam district. Three soldiers were also wounded in the initial gunfight which took place in village Malwah of Baramulla district. Kashmir’s Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar termed LeT’s top commander killing a huge success. “..He was involved in several #killings of civilians & SFs personnel including recent killing of JKP’s SPO & his brother, one Soldier and one civilian in #Budgam district,” IGP was quoted in a police tweet. IGP said Kantroo had also killed BDC Chairman Sardar Bhupinder Singh on September 23, 2020 in his own native place in Khag area. Police said the gun battle erupted at Malwah village of Baramulla during a cordon and a search operation in the area following an input about militant presence. As the joint team of forces cordoned the suspected spot, the hiding militants opened fire wounding three soldiers, police said. “ In the ensuing gunfight so far two terrorists including top local commander have been killed,” a police officer said, adding the operation is in progress. UNI MJR SY 1425
