Security forces dealt a major blow to Lashkar-e-Toiba when they killed its six top commanders including Owaid, nephew of 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and son of second-in-command of Jamat-ud-Dawa, parent organisation of Lashkar, Abdul Rehman Maki, in a fierce encounter at Hajin in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
One Garud commando of Indian Air Force was also killed in the encounter while another soldier was injured.
The slain commanders included Zargam and Mehmood, the most wanted militant Lashkar commanders in north Kashmir.
Mehmood was main wanted in the in the killing of BSF constable Mohommad Ramzan Parrey alias Rameez on September 27
“The encounter has now finished and it was a success. Total of six LeT terrorists eliminated. Weapons and ammunition recovered. One of the terrorist named Owaid is son of Rehman Maki and nephew of Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi (mastermind of Mumbai terror attacks),” tweeted Dr Director General of JK police Shesh Paul Vaid.
Owaid is the second nephew of Lakhvi to have been killed by the security forces in Kashmir in the last 10 months.
On January 19 security Abu Musaib, another nephew Lakhvi, was also killed at Hajin village in Bandipora district.
“Owaid was active in Hajin area (for quite some time). He is the nephew of Lakhvi,” said Deputy Inspector General of police north Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdhi.
The encounter started after after a joint team of police, Army and CRPF cordoned off Chandrageer village of Hajin.
During searches, the security forces came under fire from hiding militants. A gunfight ensued in which the six militants were killed.
“One more terrorist killed. Total six terrorists including LeT commander Mahmood Bhat killed so far. One IAF Garud soldier martyred and one army soldier injured. Operation continues,” said defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia.
The security forces have maintained that while they would spare the local militants during operations if they agree to surrender but the foreign militants will not be spared.
The foreign militants have been doing most of the fighting in Kashmir since the killing of more than a 170 militants since the start of this year.
North Kashmir is considered a stronghold of Lashkar unlike in the south where Hizbul Mujahideen has more presence.
