M A I N   N E W S

Jawan, ultra killed in suicide attack
Plan to trigger serial blasts on Id foiled

Srinagar, December 4
A suicide squad of suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba militants occupying a vacant post attacked a CRPF party in Kupwara district of north Kashmir today, leaving a jawan and a militant dead and a civilian seriously injured, official sources said.

They said two foreign mercenaries hiding in a vacant post opened fire on CRPF personnel near hospital crossing at Handwara township, about 70 km from here, around 8 am.

The firing, in which Constable Prakash Chand died on the spot, was retaliated by the CRPF personnel, resulting in the death of one of the militants, while the other managed to escape, the sources said.

Besides, a civilian Shabir Ahmad Rather, who was injured in the firing was admitted to a hospital with serious injuries, the sources added.

The exchange of fire lasted for over an hour and an AK assault rifle and some ammunition were seized from the slain militant.

Meanwhlie, militants’ plan to set off a series of explosions in the city on the eve of Id-ul-Fitr was foiled by BSF personnel who seized 10 IEDs from a crowded market area today.

The IEDs, weighing 57 kg and hidden in a hand-cart, were seized from Jhelum market in Batmaloo area of central Srinagar this morning, a BSF spokesman said. PTI, UNI

LeT declares 4-day ceasefire

Srinagar, December 4
Pro-Pakistan militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) today declared a four-day unilateral ceasefire in entire Jammu and Kashmir from the eve of Id-ul-Fitr.

“The outfit will not attack Indian forces throughout the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir as a goodwill gesture in view of Id-ul-Fitr,” LeT spokesman Abu Huzaifa told local news agency CNS in a faxed statement.

He said the ceasefire would come into effect a day ahead of Id and would continue till the third day of the Muslim festivities.

He said even political leaders who were on the hitlist of the outfit would be spared during the ceasefire. PTI