Jammu and Kashmir (file photo)
Security forces have achieved significant success in Srinagar, Hanyar district of Jammu and Kashmir. They killed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Usman in an encounter. He has been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba for the past 20 years. He is considered to be the right-hand man of Sajjad Gul of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group. Usman’s killing dealt a major blow to the entire Lashkar-e-Taiba network. Lashkar-e-Taiba also believes that Usman has been actively working for the group for the past two decades.
Usman, who goes by the codename “Chhota Walid”, is considered the top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir. His activities have increased in recent times. As a result, he was at the top of the security forces’ hit list. Usman’s role in the killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police Inspector Masroor during a local cricket match in Srinagar’s Edgar area in October 2023 is under investigation. Security forces said Usman’s killing was a major achievement in counter-terrorism in Kashmir.
What did IGP VK Birdi say?
Inspector General of Police VK Birdi said the terrorist killed by the security forces has been identified as Usman. He is the commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba. He told reporters that four security personnel were injured during the operation. The role and involvement of the terrorists killed in the Inspector Masroor murder case has come to light. The matter is under further investigation.
Usman killed in Kanyal encounter
During the Kanyal encounter, heavy exchange of fire broke out between security forces and terrorists. Two Central Reserve Police Force soldiers and two policemen were injured in the clash. After the conflict, security forces found Usman’s body and a large amount of ammunition at the incident site. This encounter is considered to be the largest terrorist encounter in Srinagar after September 15, 2022.
Killed 3 terrorists in 24 hours
Three terrorists were neutralized in three different battles in Kashmir in the past 24 hours. These encounters include Srinagar, Bandipora and Anantnag. Fighting continues in Bandipora as two terrorists were killed in a battle that started in Anantnag forest on Saturday. Security forces conducted search operations at all three locations with great success.
Security forces believe that these encounters and elimination of terrorists will reduce terror activities in Kashmir to some extent. The killing of dangerous terrorists like Usman caused huge damage to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s network. The group’s main targets are said to be Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs and migrant labourers.
