2 bombing masterminds killed in clash
SRINAGAR: Indian security forces yesterday killed two suspected organisers of a deadly suicide bombing in the disputed region of Kashmir that has fuelled tension between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, police said.
The two suspected masterminds of the bomb attack killed in a clash were both Pakistani nationals and members of JeM, police said.
“The encounter is still in progress and the security forces are on the job,” police said.
Four Indian soldiers and a civilian were also killed.
One police source said one of the dead militants had been identified as Abdul Rashid Gazi, who went by the alias Kamran Bhai.
Indian troops had earlier cordoned off Pinglan village in Kashmir’s Pulwama district, where the attack took place on Thursday.
Mohammad Yunis, a journalist in Pulwama, said troops were searching the village and civilians trapped in houses were being evacuated.
On Sunday, police said 23 men suspected of links to the militants who carried out the Thursday bombing had been detained.
India has withdrawn trade privileges offered to Pakistan and has warned of further action.
The Thursday bomb attack has sparked outrage in India with