Six militants were killed in two separate encounters in Anantnag and Baramulla Districts on October 25, reports Daily Excelsior. Four militants were killed in an encounter in the Kharpora area of Arwani in Anantnag District. Also, two militants were killed in a gunfight at Athoora area of Kreeri in Baramulla District. Their bodies recovered were along with two weapons. As the news about the encounter spread, the youth took to streets and clashed with Security Forces at Athoora and its adjoining areas.
Separately, Security Forces on October 25 arrested an Over Ground Worker (OGW) worker of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Mohammad Shafi Magray, at a checkpoint established near HP Gas Godown in Drugmulla area of Kupwara District and recovered arms and ammunition from his possession.
On October 27, SFs identified the two militants killed (SATP had reported the incident earlier) in encounter at Pazalpora in Sopore area of Barmulla District. They were identified as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) ‘commander’ Abu Maaz and his close associate Ali Bhai alias Zubair. Maaz was active for at least three years in Sopore while Ali Bhai had infiltrated six months ago. Police said that he was instrumental in recruiting youth into militancy. The slain militant ‘commander’ was carrying a reward of INR 1.25 million on his head.