Local aide of killed LeT guerrilla nabbed in Kashmir

A guerrilla who tried to escape from a gunfight with security forces, in which a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed, was Monday apprehended by security forces in Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

"A joint operation by army and police was launched in Krankshevan village yesterday (Sunday) and ended today (Monday) with the elimination of one terrorist while the second terrorist was apprehended," defence spokesman Colonel N.N. Joshi said here.

The operation was launched by the army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the special operations group of police at 4 p.m. Sunday based on intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists in Krankshevan, he said.

While the suspected hideouts were being cordoned, "the terrorists hiding in one of the houses opened fire at the troops", he said.

However, the security forces reacted swiftly and prevented any escape by the terrorists.

The gun battle that ensued between the security forces and terrorists lasted throughout Sunday night.

The security forces eliminated one terrorist while the other continued to engage them till Monday.

When he attempted to escape, the troops managed to nab him.

The slain guerrilla was identified as Mehmood Bhai, a foreigner.

The apprehended terrorist was identified as Waseem, a resident of Palhalan in Baramulla district. He was later handed over to police.

Both the terrorists belong to the LeT.

The troops found an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 20 rounds of ammunition and a grenade.

During the operation, two security personnel sustained gunshot wounds, but their condition is said to be stable.

Chinar Corps commander Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh commended the troops for executing "a thoroughly professional operation".

He also lauded the troops as, despite injuries to two soldiers, "they ensured that there was neither any collateral damage nor injury to any civilian".