LeT attempt to enter Srinagar foiled; 3 militants killed

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Thwarting an attempt by militants of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) to enter Srinagar city, a brave constable of Jammu and Kashmir police laid down his life but only after gunning down three ultras including a foreigner in outskirts of the city.

Giving details of the encounter, the second major in just over a month, the police said three LeT terrorists were riding a motorcycle and attempting to enter the city ostensibly for killing policemen.

The militants were challenged by a team of policemen at Qamarwari checkpost and in the ensuing encounter constable Shabir Ahmed lost his life but only after killing the three motorcycle-borne terrorists, police officials said.

The militants were part of the LeT team holed in Pattan area of North Kashmir and attempting to sneak into the city for killing policemen standing on duty on roads and various intersections. This modus operandi has been used by LeT earlier as well.

A civilian Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, who was also injured in the crossfire, has been hospitalised. Inspector general of police Kashmir Shiv Murari Sahai said a pistol, a grenade and some other ammunition have been recovered from the spot.

Earlier, three militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit were killed in a fierce gun battle at Maloora, 5 km from Qamerwari area, on October 21.