Poonch encounter: Pak LeT terrorist gunned down

Jammu: A Pakistani terrorist belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Tuesday, officials said. Identified as Abu Zarara, the terrorist attempted to get away by opening fire on forces, but was eliminated in return fire. His accomplice is on the run, they said.

The security forces launched a cordon-andsearch operation in the area after receiving inputs about the presence of armed terrorists there.

The operation turned into an encounter after they opened fire on the forces.

Jammu-based PRO Defence Lt Colonel Devender Anand confirmed the killing of the terrorist in a successful joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu Kashmir Police at Behramgala.

He said Zarara hailed from Pakistan and was the eighth terrorist to be killed in Rajouri-Poonch districts in recent times. “The militant, specially trained and brainwashed to operate in Rajouri- Poonch area with a possible aim of orchestrating a spectacular strike, was first spotted in August this year,” he said, adding that he was probably part of Pakistan’s efforts to revive terrorism in South of Pir Panjal region.

“While the slain militant and his accomplice have been on a run, taking shelter in deep jungles for past few months, their need for food, clothing and communication (mobile) forced them to make contact with civilians,” he said, adding that the armed forces and J&K Police monitored mobile communications on a real-time basis. –(Agencies)