Mehmood's killing setback for JeM's suicide squads: DGP

The killing of three militants, including Jaish-e-Mohammed's divisional commander Mehmood Bhai and Maulana Masood Azhar's nephew Tallah Rashid, has come as a setback for JeM's suicide squads in Kashmir, a top police officer has said.
The three militants were gunned down by security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday.
Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid said Mehmood was instrumental in motivating and organising suicide attacks in Kashmir.
"His (Mehmood's) elimination is not only a setback but has definitely created confusion and demoralisation in the fidayeen groups of JeM," Vaid told PTI yesterday.
Security forces and police in Kashmir have been facing the challenge of suicide squads, he said, describing the form of militant attack as an attempt "from across the border to bolster the sagging morale of terrorists".

A US-made M4 rifle used by Pakistani Army special forces was also recovered after the encounter.

The J&K Police chief said the killing of Tallah exposed the links of JeM chief Azhar, his family and Pakistan with terrorism in Kashmir.
"The killing of Tallah Rashid, the nephew of Azhar Masood, chief of JeM, is very significant. It clearly links Pakistan and its agencies to the Kashmir turmoil," the DGP said, stressing that it demonstrated the "direct involvement of Pakistan in militancy in Kashmir".
Vaid said, "It is no hidden fact. It is known to everyone that terrorists after crossing from Pakistan create turmoil and destroy the peaceful life of Kashmiris. It (their killings) is a big setback for the Jaish-e-Mohammed".