LeT chief Abu Dujana, one other killed in Pulwama encounter; operation concludes

Abu Dujana, a top Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) commander was among two militants killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said.

The firing has stopped after the house from where the militants were firing was blasted by the security forces, official sources said, adding that it is believed both the holed up militants, including Dujana, have been killed.

However, Director General of Police (DGP) Dr S P Vaid said that the operation was on. He said until the bodies are recovered he could not confirm the death of Dujana or the number of militants killed in the encounter, adding that the killing of militants was good for peace and people will welcome it.

Sources said that on a specific information about the presence of militants, security forces and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation at village Hakharpora Newa in Pulwama early this morning.

However, when the security forces were moving towards a particular in the village, militants hiding there opened indiscriminate fire with automatic weapons, they said adding the fire was returned ensuing a fierce gun battle.

They said most wanted  Dujana  and another LeT militant were killed after the house where the militants were hold up was totally damaged in the operation. Debris are being removed with very cautious as there could be some unexploded explosives, they said.

Dr Vaid told reporters that the operation was launched on a specific information about the presence of militants. He said militants were repeatedly asked to surrender who continued firing with automatic weapons on security forces.

''I will confirm about the killing of Dujana only when the bodies are recovered,'' the DGP said, adding that the number of militants killed in the encounter will be known once the debris are removed.

However, he claimed that killing of militants was good for peace and people of the valley will welcome it.

The police chief said that for the past about one year, things were not good in south Kashmir. However, after security forces conducted successful operations, things are now under control.

However, Dr Vaid said there are law and order problem at one or two places in Pulwama today and security forces will deal with it.