SECURITY FORCES KILL PAKBASED LeT MILITANT IN J&K ENCOUNTER

SRINAGAR:: A Pakistani militant of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pampore, officials said on Monday.

Police identified the militant — who was killed in the gun battle in Sambora — as Umer of the Abu Ismail group that was responsible for the attack on Amarnath pilgrims in July.

“The encounter took place in Pampore town’s Sambora area. The victim has been identified as Umer from LeT’s Abu Ismail faction,” police officials said.

A police spokesman said Umer’s role in crimes committed by the Abu Ismail group was being ascertained.

Police said the encounter took place following specific information about the presence of militants in the area on Sunday evening. Police from Awantipora, army’s 50 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF took part in the operation.

One AK-47 rifle was recovered from the encounter site.

Inspector general of police (Kashmir Range) Muneer Khan had said on Sunday the LeT was to blame for the attack on Amarnath pilgrims.

Meanwhile, National Conference President and Lok Sabha member Farooq Abdullah on Monday warned of an “uprising” if Article 35A of the Constitution was abrogated.

Speaking to the media at his residence after a meeting of opposition leaders, he said: “When it will come to that decision, you will see this mass rising. Don’t forget when the Amaranth land row happened in 2008, people rose overnight.

“Abrogation of Article 35A will lead to a far greater revolt.”

The meeting was called by Abdullah to discuss the fallout of any abrogation of Article 35A, which empowers the J&K assembly to define the state’s permanent residents and their privileges.