Encounter ends in Pulwama, stone pelting starts

Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Aug. 01 (ANI): The encounter between security forces and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists has ended at Hakripora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, but heavy stone pelting by locals on security forces has started. According to the sources, the stone pelting has started after various news channels reported that Abu Dujana, LeT's top commander in Jammu and Kashmir, has been killed in the encounter. However, no official confirmation has been received in this regard. When asked about the killing of Dujana, S. P. Vaid, Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu & Kashmir, told ANI that "we are yet to recover the dead bodies, will tell you their identities after that". Earlier on Tuesday morning at 4:30 a.m., a joint cordon and search operations (CASO) was launched by 182 Battalion, 183 Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Hakripora village on a specific input about the presence of LeT terrorist in one of the houses. The encounter started after the militants opened fired on security forces. In the recent past, terrorists have become more active in Pulwama district. On July 30, internet services were snapped in Pulwama after two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists were gunned down in Tahab area. The troops of 55 RR, 183 Battalion, 182 Battalion, (CRPF) and SOG Latipura had neutralized the two terrorists in Pulwama. The bodies of the terrorists, Tausif and Irfan were also recovered by the security forces, including weapons. Kashmir is embroiled in utter chaos and violence since last year after Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was gunned down by security forces. (ANI)