Top militant commander of Al Qaeda's Kashmir cell, Zakir Musa, was reportedly killed, after being trapped during a cordon and search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Tral area of Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday, 23 May.
A defence spokesperson told PTI that one militant was killed in the operation at Dadsara in Tral area of Pulwama district on Thursday night.
“The (slain) terrorist was identified as Zakir Musa after the body was recovered Friday morning. Weapons and war-like stores were recovered from the encounter site,” defence spokesperson Rajesh Kalia said, adding that the operation has been called off.
A gunfight reportedly broke out between militants and security forces in Tral village.
“The encounter has ended. The operation was handled well, there was no collateral damage, arms and ammunition have been recovered. Further investigation underway.”SP Pani, IGP Kashmir
A joint team of army’s 42 RR, SOG and CRPF cordoned off Dadsara village and tried to persuade Musa to surrender, Greater Kashmir reported. However, he reportedly lobbed some grenades which triggered an encounter.
He was named the head of the organisation in July 2017. He was a close aide of slain militant commander Burhan Wani.
The 23-year-old militant had, when he became the chief of Al Qaeda, threatened to kill Hurriyat leaders if they spoke for nationalism and deny that the struggle in Kashmir was for the establishment of strict Islamic code.
Curfew Imposed in Parts of Kashmir
As a precautionary measure, educational institutions have been closed and curfew has been imposed in some areas of Pulwama, Awantipora, Srinagar, Anantnag and Budgam. Speaking to PTI, officials said that internet has also been shutdown.
Schools and collges across the valley will be closed on Saturday, 25 May.
The officials said the decision was made keeping in view the Friday prayer gatherings.
(With inputs from PTI, Greater Kashmir)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)