Srinagar: A top most JeM militant was killed in a gunfight with a joint team of police and army in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday, officials said.
“On a specific input regarding presence of (militants) in Tilwani Mohalla Waggad area of Tral, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, Army and CRPF in the area,” a police spokesman said in a statement.
“During the search operation, as the presence of (militants) got ascertained, they were given repeated opportunities to surrender; instead they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated, leading to an encounter.”
In the ensuing encounter, he said, one militant was killed and was identified as Shamus-ud-Din Sofi alias ShamSofi, a top commander of JeM.
“As per police records, the killed (militant) was categorized and active since June-2019 figuring among the list of most wanted (militant) operating in the Valley.”
He was also part of groups involved in several cases including attacks on security establishments and civilians.
“Pertinently, (he) was first arrested in year 2004 and detained under PSA. He was also involved in providing logistic support, shelter to the active (militants) operating in Tral area before joining (militant) folds,” police said, adding, “Moreover, he was also involved in motivating local youth to join (militant) folds, reviving the (militant) folds in Tral area and conspiring to destabilize the system by means of various acts.”
Besides, he was also involved in threatening the law abiding citizens and policemen also.
He said “incriminating materials including arms & ammunition were also recovered from the site of encounter.”
“IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar(IPS) has congratulated the joint forces for the big success that led to the elimination of most wanted (militant).” (GNS)
