Srinagar, December 18
In a major setback to Pakistan based Lasker-e-Toiba (LeT), at least five militants of the outfit, who are believed to have infiltrated recently into the valley, were killed in an encounter with security forces in north Kashmir.

J&K police was trying to ascertain whether those killed included LeT’s top man, Fahadullah, the operations head of the group in north Kashmir. Fahadullah had reportedly escaped security cordon many a times in the past.

The gunfight took place at Sadapora village on the outskirts of Sopore town early today after police and Army got information about the presence of a group of militants.

This was the third encounter within a week’s time in the area. In the earlier two encounters, two foreign militants and a local militant had been killed Thursday last.

“The elimination of the militants in today’s encounter is a major success in the fight against the militancy in the north Kashmir,” Kashmir Inspector General of Police S M Sahai said.

The IGP said the group had moved recently from north Kashmir as the LeT presence had depleted in Sopore. Sopore SP Imtiyaz Mir said police received information regarding the presence of armed militants in the Sadapora locality.

“A joint operation was launched by Sopore police and 22 RR at around 2 am. The exchange of fire left five militants dead. The identity of the slain militants is being ascertained. However, initial investigation has shown that one of killed militants is a local Naveed Ahmed Dar, while others were foreigners,” he said.

“The operation is still on and we suspect two more militants hiding in the houses,” he added. Police sources said two houses were damaged in the gun battle. The operation is still continuing.