A top-ranking “commander” of Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit was killed in a joint operation of police and security forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Tuesday morning, police said.
Qari Yasir, a suspected Pakistani national, who was active in lolab pocket of Kupwara was shot dead when security forces cordoned off his hideout in Gareward village following a specific tip-off. Police said when the hideout was encircled, the holed up militant opened fire. The retaliation by the security forces led to an encounter, in which Yasir was killed.
Police said he was a “top-raking commander” of the banned Jaish outfit. Authorities say that 120-150 militants are active in embattled Jammu and Kashmir where violence has petered out during the past few years. However, this year militants have attempted to up the ante by launching surprise attacks against the security forces. Even as lolab area is dominated by the Army and security forces, its proximity with the line of Control makes it accessible for the separatist militants.
The Bangus Valley in the neighbourhood of lolab is also one of the few residual areas in Kashmir where militant presence is reported to be higher. Jaish, lashkar-e-Tayyeba and Hizbul Mujahideen outfits are mostly active in the Valley.