Srinagar: Chief operating commander of LeT Abu Dujana and his associate were killed in an encounter with police and security forces in Hakripora village of Pulwama Tuesday morning, police said.
A police spokesman said that acting on a specific information about the presence of militants in Hakripora village of Pulwama District, police along with 55 RR, 182 Bn and 183 Bn CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area.
“During the search operation, militants present in the area fired upon the joint search party. The fire was retaliated, ensuing an encounter. Two LeT terrorists were killed in this encounter who were later identified as Abu Dujana and Arif Nabi Dar @Rehan son of Ghulam Nabi Dar resident of Lelhar, Kakapora,” the police said.
The spokesman said one person identified as Firduos Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Subhan resident of Begumbagh, Kakapora was also injured near the encounter site during the cross firing.
He was shifted to hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries, the police said.
The slain militants were involved in killing of Sarpanch Fayaz Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Ghaffar Bhat resident of Kandzal, Kakapora, police said. “They were involved in grenade attacks on security forces at Kakapora and Police Post Kakapora. Both the militants were also involved in a number of other anti-national and subversive activities,” the police said.
The police said Dujana was one of the closest associate of Abdul Rehman @ Abu Qasim and were involved in Udhampur attack.
“Abu Dujana was instrumental in recruiting the local youth in LeT outfit. He was involved in recruiting Reyaz Ahmad Dar @ Khalid S/O Ab Aziz Dar R/O Satther Kakapora Pulwama, Arif Nabi Dar @ Rehan R/O Lelhar Kakapora and Ayoub Lone @ Hebtulla R/O Lelhar Kakapora. He was involved in killing of 2 CRPF personnel at Sangam Bijbehara and attack on police party at Gallander Pampore in which 2 constables of JKAP 11th Bn were martyred. He was also involved in hurling hand grenade upon security forces at Pahoo. He was involved in firing on CRPF at Green Tunnel Bijbehara in which several CRPF personnel were injured. Abu Dujana was also a womanizer. He and his associates were involved in firing on security forces in Pulwama,” the police said.
“Arif Nabi Dar @Rehan was involved in four bank robberies at J&K bank branch Arihal, Ratnipora, Nehama and Ellaquai Dehati Bank Wahibugh branch.”
“Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the encounter site.”
At some places miscreants tried to create disturbances by pelting stones in Pulwama and adjoining areas. While dealing with the situation 10 persons have got injured who are till now stable and undergoing treatment at various hospitals, the police said.
Meanwhile, according to KNS correspondent, thousands of people participated in the funerals of slain Arif Nabi Dar at his native residence in Lelhar, Kakapora, where people from many villages converged into the locals cricket field and offered funeral prayers for him and shouted slogans for freedom. (KNS)
