Incidents and Statements involving Lashkar-e-Taiba : 2015

Date

Nature of incident

January 2

J&K

New Delhi

Official sources said that at least 70 new militants, who were well trained in new kind of 'sneak-in fidayeen attack strategy' were camping at five to six places in Sialkot area of Pakistan opposite Samba sector with a view to infiltrate into the Indian territory to carry out Arnia like terror attack before the visit of United States President Barrack Obama to India on January 26. The official sources said "The militants were well equipped with arms and explosives and new device 'floaters', which would safely help them swim through nullahs in Samba and Hiranagar sectors, in their infiltration attempts." All 70 trained LeT militants were Pakistanis, according to sources.

Police arrested two militants of LeT from a hotel in Srinagar city. A Police officer said that two LeT militants were arrested when Police raided the hotel during the night after specific information about their presence in the hotel. The duo has been identified as Tanveer Ahmad Baba and Shabir Ahmad.

Sopore town / Baramulla District

A top LeT militant was killed in a fierce gun battle in Sopore town of Baramulla District. A Defense spokesman said that based on specific intelligence about presence of militants in Sofi Hamam Chankhan area of the Sopore town, a joint operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles units of Army and the Police, resulting into killing of one militant and recovery of one AK 47 rifle, 3 magazines, 89 rounds of ammunition, one UBGL, three UBGL rounds and other war like stores. The identity of the terrorist has been established as Abu Sufiyaz.

Sopore / Baramulla District

SF personnel arrested a top LeT commander from Sopore of Baramulla District. Police and Army arrested the militant commander from the house of a village headman in Sangarhama area of Sopore. Police also arrested the village headman Farooq Ahmad Bhat. The LeT commander has been identified as Zulfikar Ahmad Mughal (24) alias Akhtar Hussain alias Amir Maviya of Gulshan Iqbal, Karachi in Pakistan. Police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, three hand grenades and a pouch.

Saidpora village / Sopore / Baramulla District

SF personnel killed two 'divisional commanders' of LeT and JeM during an operation in Saidpora village of Sopore in Baramulla District. A Police spokesman while giving details about the operation said that Sopore Police along with 22 RR of Army and 177 Battalion of CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Saidpora village. The militants fired upon the joint search party, triggering an encounter in which two militants were killed. Two Pakistani militants Asadullah of LeT and Ramzan of JeM were killed in the gun battle. There was no collateral damage to any person or property during the operation. Two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, 140 rounds and one pistol were recovered from them.

Kathua / Poonch sectors / J&K

India has stepped up security on its western borders to very high levels following credible intelligence inputs warnings that two groups of LeT and one group of JeM are waiting to infiltrate from Kathua and Poonch sectors in J&K to orchestrate terror attacks before US President Barack Obama's visit. Sources said that a group of 12-15 fully trained and equipped LeT terrorists who are waiting to infiltrate through Kathua under the supervision of LeT commanders Abdullah Shaheen and Taya Rafiq. Another group of 10 LeT terrorists are waiting at the launching pads in PoK to infiltrate through Poonch under commander Abdul Rashid, said sources.

J&K

Sources said that JeM planned to mark the year 2015 as a year of "Inquilab-e-Jihad" and may carry out terror activities before Republic Day. "The LeT is also trying to unleash its sleeper cells already present in J&K to carry out terror attacks," said sources adding that at least 7 LeT terrorists are on the prowl in Kashmir of which 3-4 are foreign terrorists.

Kathua District

A group of five to six LeT militants has crossed over from Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District last week. The infiltrating group was tracked with the help of wireless intercepts picked up from across Pakistan, and is currently lying low in Jammu and Kashmir, possibly waiting for an opportunity to sneak outside the state.

J&K

Ahead of US President Barak Obama's visit, intelligence inputs on terror threats seem to be coming by the dozen. In a fresh input, a Major rank officer from Pakistan's spy agency ISI has been given the responsibility to push in two batches of five LeT terrorists each across the border. There is information about the groups waiting at Rum (Sialkot) in Pakistan before being launched into India. The terrorists have been tasked to launch a fidayeen attack inside India during the visit, said Home Ministry sources.

J&K

A high alert has been sounded in Jammu and Kathua regions following intelligence intercepts that LeT and HM, backed by Pakistan's spy agency ISI, are planning terror strikes in the region coinciding with US President Barack Obama's visit. A specific intelligence input with the Central agencies say a detachment of 5-6 terrorists has been deployed by Badabhai Masroor and is likely to cross over from Shakargarh and Zafarwal Darman area for terror attacks around Republic Day in Jammu or Kathua region. The detachment is in touch with an ISI's Colonel Masood Khan.

Kathua / Poonch sectors / J&K

Three major infiltration attempts by the LeT militants have been foiled by the SFs during latest rounds of mortar shelling and heavy firing in Arnia and RS Pura sectors, while the BSF was anticipating more such intrusion bids (by the militants) along the IB in the next few days. Official sources told that three groups of six to eight militants of the LeT outfit made desperate attempts to sneak into the Indian territory during recent shelling and firing by the Pakistani Rangers in Arnia and RS Pura sectors. The alert BSF personnel observed movement of the militants well in time on thermal imagers and successfully foiled the intrusion bid.

New Delhi

J&K was never Pakistan's and will never be, India said in a sharp reaction to observance of the so-called 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' in Pakistan. Spokesperson of the MEA Syed Akbaruddin said in New Delhi that Pakistan's "self destructive and "futile quest for territorial aggrandisement" in the State was well known. He was reacting to questions about rallies and speeches by various parties and groups including banned terrorist outfit JuD in Pakistan. "It is high time for Pakistan to start paying attention to all the problems that afflict them rather than covet what is not theirs and never will be," he said, asserting that J&K was and will always remain part of India.

Thakgund village /Rafiabad /Baramulla District

Two Pakistani militants of LeT were killed by SFs in a gun battle in Thakgund village in Rafiabad in Baramulla District. The militants have been identified as Abu Saad and Abu Noaman. DIG North Kashmir, Gareeb Dass stated that that arms and ammunition including 2 AK-47 rifles, 7 AK-47 magazines, one GPS, one radio set, two pouches, one radio set antenna, one watch and a compass were recovered from the encounter site. He also added that duo was part of group of eight militants who had infiltrated in September 2013.

Jammu and Kashmir

Various inputs from Central intelligence agencies point towards the presence of groups of both JeM and LeT terrorists waiting to infiltrate at various locations along the LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir. The inputs warn that LeT militants, led by one Mohammed Hussain alias Mani, are waiting to infiltrate from Derinala, while another group of five JeM terrorists has arrived from Kotli in PoK and has been camping at Shahbaz post. The group, led by its launching commander, Gul Hadiq, is learnt to have already reconnoitered the area and to be planning to strike SFs by planting IEDs along their foot-patrol tracks. Another group of three unidentified terrorists has reconnoitered the Madhole Nullah area near post Bhadur and is planning to carry out a major action, including attacking the post, said the alert.

Jammu and Kashmir

Police said many youths in Kashmir have since joined militant ranks. Handlers of Pakistan-based terror groups LeT and JeM are now adopting new tactics for 2015 by involving these freshly infiltrated youths, sources said.

UHM officials said that Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency, ISI have directed the militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir not to carry out attacks on civilians but to target SFs leading to spurt in casualties among men in uniform. Officials said the killing of three Policemen by militants on April 6, in Kashmir valley was a clear indication about the plans of the Pakistan-sponsored groups. Quoting intelligence inputs, the officials said the directive of ISI and Pakistan Army to terrorist groups like JeM, LeT and HM came following international pressure as global powers have joined hands against terrorist violence on innocent civilians.

According to an intelligence report forwarded to the UHM, over 30 terrorists have been spotted at launch pads in PoK adjoining Poonch District in Jammu and Kashmir, waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate and stage a fidayeen attack in the country. According to the report, terrorist movement has been spotted in PoK posts across Poonch District, with a group of 12-15 LeT terrorists ready to infiltrate and another group comprising 10 terrorists camping at Nangi post. Another six terrorists are camping in a village nearby, the report adds. All the terrorists are being controlled by Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency, ISI, apparently to launch a fidayeen attack in Poonch District.

Hiranagar sector / Kathua District

In view of "highly alarming reports'' about all out attempts by the militants to infiltrate into India, the UMHA has decided to deploy more CAPFs on the IB behind the BSF to ensure even if the militants managed to breach the fencing. Sources said there had been reports that encouraged by open support of Pakistan Army and JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed, over a dozen militants in full combat dresses have been camping close to the IB in Hiranagar sector of Kathua District with a view to infiltrate into this side. April 19's shelling and firing by the Pakistan Rangers was clearly aimed at infiltration by the militants, they added. The MHA has decided to deploy more CPFs along the IB from Kathua to Akhnoor behind the BSF. This will help check any infiltration by the militants breaching fencing or crossing through some uncovered portions of Nullahs especially when they were flooded during the rains. Police authorities too have strengthened their positions in all border areas of Kathua, Samba and Jammu Districts to check movement of the militants.

Qazi Hamam area / Baramulla District

Police and 46 RR of Army based on an Intelligence input about presence of militants raided Qazi Hamam area in Baramulla District of North Kashmir and arrested LeT militant identified as Parvez Ahmad Lone. One pistol, four pistol rounds and two hunter knives were recovered from him.

LoC / Mendhar sector / Poonch District

Army thwarted a major terror plot by LeT by killing their 'commander' in half an hour long gun battle along the LoC in Mendhar sector of Poonch District while a group of six to seven other Pakistani militants were reported to have retreated to PoK. The militant was carrying with him a GPS, which is provided only to the militant commanders to find the route while leading the group. In addition to GPS, Army recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 94 rounds, four Chinese grenades and large quantity of eatables mostly dry fruits from the possession of slain militant. Recovery of dry fruits from the slain militant was also an indication that the militants had planned to set off to some hideouts in Pir Panjal range after infiltration or target the Army and Police installations. This was first infiltration attempt on the LoC in twin border Districts of Rajouri and Poonch this summer with melting of snow and opening of passes.

Pulwama District

Azad Ahmad Lone, a newly recruited militant in Pulwama District surrendered before Police. Lone son of Mohammad Abdullah, resident of Lelhar area of Kakpora, was missing for last 20 days and had reportedly joined LeT outfit.

LeT 'divisional commander' Mohammad Qasim and his associate gave a slip to Army, SOG and CRPF at Worwan village of Pulwama District. On a tip off about the presence of Qasim in Worwan village, Army's 55 RR, 182 and 183 battalions of CRPF and SOG cordoned off Worwan village and launched searches.

Yaripora area / Kulgam District

SF personnel achieved a major success by killing 'District Commander' of LeT during an encounter in Yaripora area of Kulgam District. Police said that militants fired upon an Army vehicle in Yaripora area. An Army Personal identified as Sepoy Dharam Ram was injured in the firing and was later succumbed to his injuries. Soon after the attack, the Army and Police laid cordon around the area and conducted search operation. The search party was attacked again in an orchard, leading to a gun battle in which a militant was killed. The militant was later identified as Ayatullah Bhat alias Khoumaini alias Maaz who was functioning as 'District Commander' of LeT.

Pulwama District

Police and Army in Pulwama District sought people's help through posters for providing information regarding top militants including LeT South Kashmir Chief, Abu Qasim, in exchange of huge rewards. The posters in Urdu with contact numbers of Police and Army and pictures of eight militants operating in South Kashmir appeared in the posters in District.

LoC and IB / Jammu and Kashmir

The Intelligence agencies have sounded high alert along the LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir following latest inputs of top militants camping close to the border for infiltration into this side even as the BSF, lodged strong protest with the Rangers over targeted firing on the BSF personnel in Hiranagar sector of Kathua District on June 1, in which a personnel was injured. The fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army and Rangers along the LoC and IB and firing of mortars and RPG shells has triggered panic among the villagers living in the forward areas. Official sources said that the Intelligence agencies have sounded state-wide alert on the LoC and IB and called for high state of alert by all security agencies following specific inputs that some groups of highly trained militants including fidayeen squad of LeT and HM were trying to sneak into J&K to carry out terror strikes.

SFs arrested a suspected LeT militant, identified as Umar Yaqoob alias Tiger, from Shopian District. A Chinese pistol with six rounds was recovered from his possession. The arrested militant, was planning to carry out similar attacks on police personnel in Shopian and Pulwama Districts.

Police arrested a LeT militant, identified as Abdul Gani, along with his wife, Kausar Bi, and three children, Fatima (6), Irfan (4) and Umran (2), from Jogi Morh naka near village Marhot in Surankote area of Poonch District. SSP Poonch Jatinder Singh Johar said that Gani, who was an active LeT militant in 2000 before crossing over to PoK was arrested from Jogi Morh naka at Marhot, where he returned from Pakistan after 15 years along with wife and three children.

Redwani Bala village / Kulgam District

One civilian and two militants of LeT were killed in an encounter in Redwani Bala village of Kulgam District. Police said that acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants in Redwani Bala village of the District, a joint team of Police and Army launched a search operation. The civilian is identified as Asif Ahmad Tantray. Police said that he was hit by a stray bullet near the scene of encounter. The two militants have been identified as Javed Ahmad Bhat and Idrees Ahmad Nengru, both belonging to LeT militant outfit. Two Army personnel were also injured in the encounter. One AK-47 rifle, two AK magazines, 5 rounds of AK ammunition, one SLR rifle, one SLR magazine, 30 rounds of SLR ammunition, one UBGL and two pouches were recovered from the site of encounter.

The 'splinter' group of HM headed by Qayoom Najjar is turning out to be a new hardline militant group in Kashmir with militants from other outfits like JeM and LeT rallying around it. Police blames Najjar's group for attacks on telecom companies leading to breakdown of telecommunications for some days in Kashmir valley. Police also holds them responsible for killings of four activists of APHC-G and former militants in Sopore area. Sources revealed that the group has already spread its tentacles in Srinagar and South Kashmir and is emerging as a new militant group in Kashmir valley that will pose a major security challenge to the Government in future. Security agencies have apprehensions that a large numbers of self-radicalised youth can join them in future, making this group one of the powerful militant groups in Kashmir valley.

Army killed LeT 'divisional commander' and member of the outfit's BAT, who had beheaded two Army soldiers at Mankot sector in Poonch District on January 8, 2013, when he along with a group of three associates was trying to infiltrate into the Indian territory for fidayeen attack in wee hours. Troops took on the militants and eliminated one of them while three others retreated to PoK. One of the fleeing militants left behind his bags carrying large quantity of Pakistan made eatables. Documents recovered from the slain militant established his identity as Mohammad Anwar alias Azhar, a 'divisional commander' of the LeT and a Pakistani national, who was trained by Pakistan Army in the BAT actions. The BAT members and Pakistan Army personnel had escaped to PoK. Army recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 39 rounds, two anti-personnel mines, Rs 10,000 Indian currency and Rs 6885 Pakistani currency. The militants were also carrying Pakistan made two mobile telephones-one of them with Pakistani SIM card and Pak made food items including 11 packets of biscuits, three packets of milk, five packets of ORS, water bottles, half kg almonds and other dry fruits, rain coats etc. All four militants were wearing combat dresses, which indicated that they planned to carry out fidayeen action after infiltration into this side.

Sopore town / Baramulla District

A joint team of Army and Police arrested a LeT militant who was behind the blast in a Police vehicle in which a Pakistani under trial militant and a Police man were killed and four others were injured on June 20. A defence spokesman said that a joint team of Army and Police apprehended a LeT militant, Ubaid Tariq Untoo in a vehicle check post established near Channa Khan, Sopore town of Baramulla District.

Sopore town / Baramulla District

Army and Police in a joint operation arrested LeT militant Ashiq Qader Lone in Sopore town of Baramulla District. One pistol, one magazine, six pistol rounds and one UBGL grenade was recovered from his possession.

Local people and VDC members captured alive one of the two Pakistani LeT militants involved in attack on BSF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway from Chirdi village of Udhampur District while he was trying to trek towards Seoj Dhar holding three civilians hostage. The captured militant is identified as Mohammad Naved alias Qasim (22), a resident of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

One militant of LeT was killed in a gun battle in Kakapora area of Pulwama District, while two more are believed to be dead including a LeT commander. The encounter started at Astan Mohalla in Kakapora area after Police and Army had inputs about the presence of 2-3 militants inside a house. Militants fired at the SFs during search operation and the SFs returned the fire killing a local militant, Talib Ahmad Shah, whose body was retrieved later. Police said that two militants believed to be Dujani, the deputy chief of Abu Qasim, the divisional commander of LeT and a local militant of Aloochibagh area of Pulwama, Manzoor Ahmad are trapped after initial gun battle as the troops blasted off the house in which the militants were trapped. Police believed all the three militants are dead; however, body of only one was recovered so far.

'Divisional Commander' of LeT and mastermind of Udhampur attack on BSF convoy, Abu Qasim, gave slip to the SFs during a gun battle at Kakapora in Pulwama District. Two militants believed to be Abu Qasim and a local militant Manzoor Ahmad were trapped in a house where SFs killed Talib Ahmad Shah, a local militant.

Police and NIA conducted series of raids in South Kashmir and arrested eight operatives of LeT including the militants, who had given shelter to Mohammad Naved Yaqub, a Pakistani militant captured alive from Narsu, Samroli in Udhampur District on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on August 5.

Army and Police said that more Kashmiri youth joining militants becoming a source of major worry. Mujtaba Gilani, IG of Police, Kashmir Range, said that HM and LeT are luring the state's youth in bigger numbers now. "There has definitely been a rise in local recruitment since last year," Gilani said. Seeing a definite pattern in the rise in local recruitment by militant outfits and the increasing attempts at infiltration from across the border, DGP of Jammu and Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar said these clearly point towards a serious effort to intensify separatist violence in the state.

A LeT commander in South Kashmir who is one of the most wanted militants involved in major strikes in Srinagar and South Kashmir on August 10 slipped out of cordon in Rakh-e-Lajoora village of Pulwama District along with his two associates. Following a specific information about the presence of LeT commander, Irshad Ahmad Ganai, and his two associates, the troops started searches of the area when militants fired at them. The troops also fired back leading to a gun battle. However, reports said that the militants managed to flee from the area towards Ratnipora village.

A NIA court in Jammu city granted Police 14 days remand of terrorist Mohammad Naved Yaqub, a Pakistani militant who was caught alive after the Udhampur terror strike. Based on information provided by Naved, Police and central security agencies have launched a manhunt for a businessman who is alleged to have paid him and Mohammed Noman alias Momin INR 500,000 for sharing it with other LeT cadre. The businessman, who reportedly owns a shop in uptown Srinagar, had provided the money to the Naved and his handlers to run LeT network in Kashmir and to carry out terror strikes. So far 11 people have been arrested by the Police based on information provided by Naved during his interrogation and all of them are being questioned, the sources said.

Two LeT militants were killed at Rakh-e-Lajoora village of Pulwama District. A Police spokesman said "On specific information, Pulwama Police along with 55 RR started an operation, in Ratnipora area of the District, last evening. During the operation militants fired on the search party, which turned into an encounter. Two militants were killed in the encounter. The slain militants were identified as Showkat Ahmad Lone resident of Lelhar, Kakapora and Gulzar Ahmad resident of Talangam, Pulwama of LeT outfit."

After sustained questioning for nearly eight days, alleged Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Naved Yakub was brought to New Delhi, amid tight security for a lie detection test. NIA DG Sharad Kumar, who returned from his two-day visit to Jammu, said the agency has evidence that he belonged to Pakistan and was part of LeT, which trained him in use of arms and ammunition and for recruiting cadre for expansion of the terror group. "As far as the case of his Pakistani origin is concerned, it's an open and shut case as NIA has enough evidence," Kumar said. The NIA chief said since Naved was still hiding certain things he will be made to undergo some scientific tests, including a lie detection test. Naved, who was questioned yesterday in his presence of Kumar, said that he had undergone a refresher course for six weeks in Pakistan from March this year along with 25 others before infiltrating Kashmir. This was after he had undergone two training modules- 'Daur-e-Aam' and 'Daura-e-Khas'. While the first module teaches LeT cadre physical fitness, mountaineering and use of small arms, in the second they are trained in using assault rifles and manufacturing small explosives. NIA has secured his custodial remand till August 24.

DeM, a women's secessionist group in the State of J&K, hoisted the Pakistani flag and sang the Pakistani national anthem on Pakistan's day at her residence at Bachpora in Srinagar and even hoisted the flag at a park near her house. Dozens of Andrabi's supporters gathered to observe Pakistan's Independence Day at her residence. Andrabi later addressed the LeT activists at Lahore via mobile phone and extended her good wishes to the cadres for fighting for "Kashmir". Hafiz Saeed's JuD, shadow group of LeT had organized a rally on Pakistan's Independence Day in Lahore.

Bachpora / Srinagar city

Police booked DeM chief Asiya Andrabi for hoisting Pakistani flags at her residence at Bachpora on the outskirts of Srinagar city on August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day. She had also addressed LeT militants in Lahore via mobile phone that day.

Udhampur

The NIA released the sketches of two suspected LeT terrorists who infiltrated India along with Udhampur attacker Mohammed Naved and announced a reward of INR 500,000 on each. The terrorists have been identified as Zargham alias Mohammed Bhai (38-40) and Abu Okasha (17-18). Both hail from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan and were sent along with Naved and Noman (the terrorist who was gunned down by BSF during the Udhampur ambush) to launch an attack in the country.

New Delhi

Captured terrorist Mohammed Naved has admitted that he is from Pakistan and was trained by LeT during a lie detector test conducted. 'Yes I am from Pakistan,' Naved has allegedly told the interrogators during the test that was conducted at CFSL. According to reports, he has also admitted that Abu Qasim, LeT commander, was his handler.

Awantipora / Pulwama District

The NIA arrested the truck driver who allegedly ferried LeT terrorist Mohammed Yakub Naved to Jammu. The driver, identified as Khursheed Ahmed alias Surya (35), said to be an over ground operative of LeT, is a resident of Awantipora in Pulwama District. The NIA sources said Khursheed had taken Naved and his accomplice Mohammed Noman alias Momin to Jammu on July 20 on a reconnaissance mission during which the timings of convoys of BSF and Army were marked.

Handwara / Kupwara District

Three militants were killed in an encounter in the Handwara region in Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir. An Army man was also injured in the gun battle. Police said that the identity of the slain terrorists is yet to be ascertained but prima facie they appear to have belonged to LeT. An Army official said that the encounter began on August 22 night after troops launched a search operation in Krumbhora forests of Handwara tehsil following information about the presence of the militants.

Uri area / Baramulla District

A militant of LeT was killed in a fierce gun battle at Qazinag forests in Uri area of Baramulla District while 4 others were trapped in adjacent Hamam Markote forests of Rafiabad area. One AK-47 rifle and war like stores were recovered from him.

Jammu city

LeT terrorist Mohammed Naved Yakub, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan, made a confessional statement before a Magistrate in Jammu city regarding the role of the terror outfit in carrying out strikes like the Udhampur attack. The confessional statement was recorded under Section 164 of Criminal Procedure Code.

Rafiabad forests / Baramulla District

Three LeT militants were killed in an encounter with Army and Police in Rafiabad forests in Baramulla District. One Pakistani LeT militant, identified as Sajjad alias Abu Abaidullah was captured alive after the gunfight. Abaidullah is a resident of Balochistan, Pakistan. He was captured alive after Army fired tear smoke and chilly grenades inside the cave in which he had taken shelter when Army encircled the group. Army also recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition which include four AK- 47 rifles and two UBGLs.

Sopore town / Baramulla District

The captured LeT militant Sajjad Ahmad alias Abu Abaidullah of Pakistan, who was remanded to five days Police custody by a local court in Sopore town in Baramulla District, said that LeT was tasked to establish base in Rafiabad forests. Sajjad was captured on August 27 after his four associates - Talha Bhai, Usman, Abu Ketal and Abu Shoib - were gunned down by Army and Police in an operation in Rafiabad forests. Sajjad revealed "We were told that more militants from Pakistan will join the group once base is established. They were given a local contact of an Over Ground Worker of LeT in Rafiabad who was to assist them. They were asked to pay for the food and other essentials wherever they get it, not to remain at one place for long and prepare locals for Jehad. And make a hideout in Rafiabad forests where Army conducts operations at times."

According to a dossier prepared to be given to Pakistan during the now-cancelled NSA level talks, when Mohammad Naved Yakub and his three associates sneaked into India on June 2, two top LeT commanders came all the way from Islamabad to see them off besides handing over arms and ammunition. "On May 25, Sajid aged about 45 years, the LeT operations commander for South Kashmir and Hanzla Asnan, also aged about 45, the LeT commander for North Kashmir along with Noman, a resident of Bahawalpur (terrorist killed in the Udhampur attack) arrived in a car from Islamabad at Halen Det Mosque, Forward Kathua, Pakistan occupied Kashmir," the dossier says.

The NIA arrested another over-ground operative of LeT identified as Showkat Ahmed Bhat, who had arranged transportation for the four Pakistani terrorists including captured Mohammad Naved Yakub within Kashmir soon after they infiltrated from PoK. During their two-month stay in the Valley, Bhat assisted the four LeT trained Pakistani terrorists in travelling from one place to another. Officials suspect that he was directed by Abu Qasim to arrange the travel, as desired by LeT bosses based in Pakistan.

Four LeT militants and one Army soldier were killed in a gunfight that erupted in the forests of Handwara area in Kupwara District. The encounter has ended and the bodies of militants were being identified.

The NIA got 14 days custody of Showkat Ahmed Bhat, third accused in the Udhampur attack in which two BSF troopers were killed and nearly a dozen others injured early last month. Showkat is the third person arrested on September 1, in connection with Udhampur terror attack after LeT terrorist Mohammad Naved of Faisalabad (Pakistan) and a local truck driver Khurshid Bhatt of Chursu in Awantipora. Showkat had transported four Lashkar terrorist including Naved and Noman from near Baba Rishi in Baramulla District to South Kashmir soon after they had infiltrated into the Indian territory from PoK. The other two terrorists included Abu Akasha and Mohammed Bhai.

NIA launched massive hunt against three top LeT commanders involved in BSF convoy attack at Udhampur in which two BSF personnel were killed and around a dozen were injured. Coloured posters written in Urdu and English were pasted by the NIA at different places in South Kashmir and announced cash rewards for those who would give information to the agency about LeT Divisional Commander Abu Qasim and two other LeT militants Zargham alias Muhammad Bhai and Abu Okasha. Qasim , who is believed to be mastermind of Udhampur attack, carries INR 1 million bounty on his head while as Zargham and Okasha carry INR 0.5 million each on their heads.

Two surrendered militants-turned-SPOs, identified as Gul Mohammad Mingno alias Gulla, a resident of Mohalla Dandyan, Doda town; and Riaz Ahmad, resident of Marmat in Doda, escaped from their duty in Doda (Doda District) along with official INSAS and AK-47 rifles and their three magazines each, and were reported to have rejoined the LeT ranks. Army and Police have launched search operations to nab the 'militants'. "The escape of two SPOs from the DPL Doda was part of LeT efforts to revive militancy in the sensitive district, which had been declared militancy-free for the past quite some time. The duo also tried to win over another surrendered militant-turned-SPO but he had refused," official sources said. The third SPO has been taken into custody for questioning.

Top LeT 'commander', Irshad Ahmad Ganie alias Abdullah, who was involved in major attacks on SFs during past three years in Kashmir valley, was killed in an encounter in Pulwama District. Ganie, carrying a reward of INR one million, was involved in major strikes in Kashmir valley against SFs during past three years including one of the audacious attacks on Army in which 11 Army personnel were killed on Hyderpora Bypass in 2013. SOG of J&K Police Srinagar received information about the presence of four LeT militants including two top LeT 'commanders', Abu Ukasha and Abu Dujana in Begam Bagh village of Kakpora in the District. The two top LeT commanders, Ukasha and Dujana, involved in last month Udhampur attack who were also trapped used the locals working in the rice fields as human shields to flee. One AK-56 rifle, 2 magazines and 59 AK-rounds were recovered from the encounter site.

Special Judge NIA, Y P Kotwal, extended the judicial remand of LeT terrorist Mohammad Naved alias Usman and two others Khursheed Ahmed Bhat and Showkat Ahmed, who were involved in Udhampur attack in J&K on August 5, 2015.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has asked Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take action against terrorist groups like Pakistan-based LeT and the dreaded Afghan-based Haqqani network. Kerry commended Sharif's pledge to not distinguish between terrorist groups and "urged additional action against the Haqqani Network and LeT," State Department spokesman John Kirby said following the two leaders' meeting in New York on sidelines of the UNGA session. "He acknowledged the crucial role Pakistan has played in Afghan reconciliation talks and noted the importance of dialogue with India for fostering regional stability and economic integration," Kirby said.

Special Judge NIA, Y P Kotwal extended the judicial remand of LeT militant Mohammad Naved alias Usman of Mohd Yaqoob of Faisalabad in Pakistan, Khursheed Ahmed Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Bhatpora Chursoo in Awantipora, and Showkat Ahmed Bhat, son of Ali Mohd Bhat of Pulwama, who were involved in Udhampur attack in J&K on August 5, 2015. After perusal of the CD files, Special Judge NIA observed, "the investigation of the case is scattered across various places of J&K and more persons are involved in conspiracy which needs to be verified", adding "some of the co-accused are still absconding which is causing difficulties in unearthing the larger conspiracy behind the attack on BSF convoy". With these observations, court extended the 14 days judicial remand of Naved, Khursheed and Showkat.

NIA probing August 5 attack on BSF convoy at Udhampur, has announced cash reward on six LeT and HM militants through posters in South Kashmir's Pulwama District. The posters written in Urdu and English, were pasted by the NIA at different places in Pulwama including Kakapora hamlet. The NIA announced cash rewards for informants leading to arrest of these militants which include LeT 'commander' Abu Dujana, who is deputy of outfit's 'divisional commander' and Udhampur attack mastermind Abu Qasim. The other militants include Adil Sher Gujri alias Abu Baqir of Handarpora in Kakapora (LeT), Mu'een Kachroo alias Altaf Dar of Hawoora in Kulgam District (HM), Aashiq Hussain Bhat alias Ubaia of Chursoo in Awantipora (LeT), Majid Zargar alias Talha of Qoimoh in Kulgam (LeT) and Manzoor Ahmad Bhat alias Fahadullah of Samboora in Pampore (LeT). The NIA has announced INR 800,000 each on the heads of Dujana, Adil and Mu'een while INR 500,000 have been announced on the heads of Ashiq, Majid and Manzoor. The NIA has given two mobile numbers, an email and a postal address for information sharing. Last month on September 3, the NIA in the same way announced INR 1 million cash reward on Abu Qasim and INR 500,000 on Abu Okasha.

In an encounter between militants and Army's 28 RR and 9 Para at Darpora forest area in Lolab in Kupwara District, a LeT 'commander', identified as Usman Tada was killed. He hailed from Pakistan and was active in the area since last two years. SFs had received information about presence of three militants in Dardpora forest area and accordingly search operation was launched, during which one militant was shot dead.

A Police officer was killed in a gun battle at Gund Dachin area of Bandipora District in North Kashmir, after he intercepted a vehicle in which militants including 'divisional commander' of LeT, Abu Qasim, were travelling to receive a group of militants in the area. Acting on information, a Police team from Srinagar headed by SI, Altaf Ahmed Dar, chased Qasim, who was travelling from Srinagar to Bandipora in a TATA 407 vehicle. In the brief gunfight, SI Ahmad, was seriously injured and later succumbed to his injuries. The militants, fled from the scene, leaving behind the TATA 404 load Carrier bearing registration No JK05E-1096. The vehicle was seized by the Police. Qasim is the mastermind behind Udhampur attack on BSF that took place on August 5, 2015. He was wanted by NIA and has INR one million on his head. His network has been weakened over the past two months as large number of his Over Ground Workers have been arrested and LeT militants were killed in South Kashmir.

A LeT militant was killed in an encounter by SFs in Handwara forest area of North Kashmir's Kupwara District. DIG of Police, North Kashmir, Garib Dass, said that SFs had a brief gun battle with the militant group in the forest area and the militants fled away. The group was again intercepted in the evening leading to a fierce encounter. The intermittent firing was going on during the night and in the morning one body of a LeT militant was recovered during searches in the Peth Wudar in Handwara area of the District.

In the much publicized Udhampur attack case, Special Judge NIA YP Kotwal, extended 14 days judicial remand of LeT terrorist Mohammad Naved alias Usman, Khursheed Ahmed Bhat and Showkat Ahmed.

Pakistani terror outfit LeT has now developed an exclusive mobile application for its operatives active in J&K and elsewhere to make their communication secure, a report said. As per a report published in The Hindustan Times, the new mobile application will help the LeT operatives in keeping their communication highly secure. The application allows the user to make phone calls and send text messages to other users who have the same application installed on their devices. This was confirmed by a central counter terror official who said that captured LeT terrorist Mohammad Naved alias Usman had revealed during his interrogation that his 'commander' in the Valley, Abu Qasim, was using an application on his mobile to stay in touch with his handlers and other operatives. Naved also confirmed that the mobile application was specially developed by LeT for its operatives. The official also said that they suspect that the app is running on a separate server that may be installed in Pakistan.

According to a report, Bandipora area in North Kashmir, that was militancy free since 2008, has become active once again for past over a month as there are reports of LeT militants establishing a base in the forests of the border District. Since 2008, there was no militant presence in Bandipora while adjacent Sopore was hot. But of late, SFs have regular inputs of militants of LeT making movements in Bandipora as they have established base in the forests of Bandipora. A senior Police officer said, since SFs have put pressure on them due to which they failed to make Sopore as their base which was earlier used as transit for several years. He said that LeT was trying to make inroads in Sopore but they failed due to sustained pressure. An Army Officer said that Army and Police conducted massive operations since May this year in North Kashmir forests putting pressure on the militants. "So far we have killed 54 militants in North Kashmir including those killed on the LoC while infiltrating", he said. SFs have reports that at least 12 militants of LeT are operating from the forests of Bandipora area in North Kashmir for past two months. These militants are believed to have shifted to Bandipora forests recently after intense pressure in other forest areas of North Kashmir where massive operations are on since May this year.

In a sensational revelation, the investigators have, for the first time, came across the involvement of a woman militant of Kashmir in August 5 terror attack by the militants at Narsu, Samroli in Udhampur District on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and detected unique modus operandi used by the LeT outfit to transport two Pakistani militants from Kulgam in the Kashmir valley to Narsu in a truck, covering distance of about 200 kilometers unchecked by the Police. Official sources said that the latest disclosure about involvement of a woman militant and her husband in the terror attack has been made by Sabzar Ahmad Bhat alias Sahba, who transported two Pakistani militants in August this year to Udhampur for carrying out attack on a BSF convoy, during his sustained interrogation by the NIA following his arrest from Kulgam on October 13. Sources said the couple, Khurshid Ahmad and his wife were LeT operatives and will be treated as militants as they were willingly responsible for escorting dreaded Pakistani militants to the highway for carrying out terror attack.

Police authorities have activated their Cyber Crime Cells all over Jammu and Kashmir with specific direction to keep strict vigil on online campaign launched by LeT and HM outfits to lure youth into the militancy and other anti-national activities like stone pelting, hosting of flags etc. The Cells would detect the campaigners, try to identify and nab them. "We have intercepted a number of online messages of the anti-national elements including militants of the LeT and HM in the recent past, which were aimed at facilitating recruitment of the youth into militancy and other undesirable activities like stone pelting, hoisting of flags, raising slogans etc. The practice needs to be curbed before more youth are lured by the anti-national elements,'' sources said, adding the Police authorities have assigned the task to Cyber Crime Cells all over the State to watch such activities online 24×7, try to detect the militants and their agents and apprehend them to stop the campaign.

Expressing anguish over the lynching and murder of truck driver Zahid Rasool Bhat for rumors of beef consumption on October 18, 2015, the LeT 'chief' Mehmood Shah said that India's oppression and tyranny were hitting their limits and Modi Government was giving patronage to the Hindu fanatics. In a statement, Shah said that the treatment meted out to Muslims across India and in areas under its control was "unacceptable". He also condemned the thrashing of separatist leaders like Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Dar, Ahsan Untoo and others.

India downplayed the reference to Kashmir in a US-Pakistan joint statement, affirming its commitment to resolve issues with Pakistan bilaterally and welcomed the focus on terror networks in the statement. Asserting that the statement devotes considerable space to the issue of terrorism and that it was for the first time that LeT and Haqqani network are specifically mentioned in it, Spokesperson in the MEA Vikas Swarup said India also read the assurance about these two entities and terrorism in general offered by Pakistan. "We hope that they deliver on these commitments," he said. When asked about India's reaction on the US-Pakistan joint statement issued after a meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which talked about resolution of Kashmir through peaceful means, the spokesperson said, "Let me make it clear that India has always desired resolution of all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally through dialogue and peaceful means. "It is Pakistan which has chosen terrorism as the instrument of State policy. We hope that this visit conveys a clear message to Pakistan that international community is deeply concerned about its support and sponsorship of terrorists." The US-Pakistan joint statement which was issued on October 22, during Sharif's visit to Washington said, "The two leaders expressed concern over violence along the Line of Control (LoC), and noted their support for confidence-building measures and effective mechanisms that are acceptable to both parties."

SFs launched a massive operation after a brief encounter with a group of LeT militants in the forests in Bandipora District of North Kashmir. An Army search party was fired upon by a group of 3-4 LeT militants in the Serinder Kudara forest area of North Kashmir's Bandipora District, where the LeT militants had established a base for past two months. SFs recovered two pouches during the operation which militants had left behind while fleeing.

A soldier was killed in an encounter with the LeT militants in the forests of North Kashmir's Bandipora District. Militants fired at a search party of Army's 14 RR in Buthoo forest area of Bandipora, critically injuring an Army soldier, Rifleman Samod, of 14 RR. He succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital.

Pakistan's former President Pervez Musharraf acknowledged that his country supported and trained terror groups like the LeT in 1990s for fanning militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. The former military ruler also asserted that terror leaders like Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri were Pakistan's "heroes" but later became "villains". "In 1990s the freedom struggle began in Kashmir…At that time Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and 11 or 12 other organisations were formed. We supported them and trained them as they were fighting in Kashmir at the cost of their lives," Musharraf said. The former army chief's remarks came while responding to a question about demand for action against LeT's Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. He said Saeed and Lakhvi-type people enjoyed the status of heroes at that time. "The Kashmiri freedom fighters including Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi were our heroes at that time. Later on the religious militancy turned into terrorism. Now they (referring to militants in Pakistan) are killing their own people here and this should be controlled and stopped," he said.

LeT operational 'commander' Abu Qasim was killed in an encounter in Khandaypora in Kulgam District. The elusive Qasim is behind several high-profile militant attacks in the Valley since 2012, which include the Hyderpora attack in 2013 that left eight army personnel dead, attack on the Silver Star hotel frequented by non-locals on October 10, 2012 and the attack on the BSF in Pampore 2013.

LeT 'commander', Abu Qasim had strengthened the LeT outfit in South Kashmir after shifting a group of nine highly trained militants from Bandipora forests of North Kashmir. Sources said these LeT militants who are 17-20 years of age are highly trained and Qasim carried them last week (October 19 - 25) from Bandipora to South Kashmir where they have formed several small modules. SFs have launched massive operation against this new LeT group in South Kashmir but they are believed have formed small modules with two foreigners in each group. The LeT is also believed to have established new network as its previous network was busted after Mohammad Usman alias Naved gave vital clues to security agencies about it.

Violent protests broke out in Srinagar, after Friday prayers after SFs disallowed a requiem prayer for the LeT 'commander', Abu Qasim, who was killed in an encounter in Kulgam District on October 29. Protesters, mainly youths, took to the main entrance of the Jamia Masjid in the old city and tried to offer prayers for the militant. Some youths flagged the banners of HM 'commander' Burhan Wani, who is still active in south Kashmir. The protesters hurled rocks and threw back tear-gas shells at the SF personnel. Scores of people, including SF personnel, were injured in the clashes. There were protests and spontaneous shutdown in the three Districts of Kulgam, Pulwama and Anantnag in south Kashmir over the killing of Qasim.

SFs had an encounter with a group of LeT militants in the forests of North Kashmir's Bandipora District, as the militants fired at the SFs during a major operation against the group that continued for last one week. SFs had noticed the movement of 3-4 LeT militants with whom Army had a brief encounter Serinder Kudara forest on October 27-morning. The militants, however, managed to escape after the gun battle due to dense fog in the area.

Jammu and Kashmir

India said an effective action by Pakistani Government against LeT and other terror outfits will have to go far beyond "merely" proscribing their publicity through electronic media, asserting a complete and enforceable ban on them by Pakistan has been long overdue. The comments by MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup came in reaction to Pakistan's decision to ban publicity of LeT, JuD and FIF through electronic media. "We have seen the media reports that Pakistan's electronic media regulator has imposed a ban on publicity of LeT, JuD and FIF through electronic media. "The relevant notification and its implications need to be studied. At first sight, it does appear that it is a ban merely on publicity through electronic media," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir

Militant outfit LeT nominated its new chief for the Valley, weeks after its operational 'commander' Abu Qasim was killed. The outfit has replaced Abu Qasim, who was killed on October 29, by Abu Musa alias Hafiz in Kashmir, LeT spokesman Dr Abdullah Ghaznavi said in a statement. "All militants have been directed to obey him," he said.

Bandipora District

Fierce gun battle broke out between Army and militants at Pathra Bahak in Bandipora forests in Bandipora District. However, the militants took advantage of the dense fog and forests and fled from the cordon. The search operation in Bandipora forests was launched last month against a group of LeT militants who were hiding in the forests.

Kupwara District

An exchange of fire took place between militants and the Army in the forests of North Kashmir's Kupwara District. Army's 41 RR and 4 Para-commandos who had launched massive search operation after a group of LeT militants gave slip to troops on November 13 at Payerpati village near LoC in Haihama in District Kupwara. The 41 RR of Army and its Para commandos intercepted the militant group at Behak forest area near Kumkadi and the exchange of fire took place.

Jammu District

GOC, Nagrota based 16 Corps Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar said that global terrorist outfit IS might join hands with Pakistan based LeT to carry out terror attacks in India but added that the troops were on very high alert and committed to thwart nefarious designs of the militant outfits. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Jammu, Lt Gen Nimbhorkar, whose Corps commands most parts of Jammu region barring three border Districts of Jammu, Samba and Kathua, didn't rule out the possibility of the IS joining hands with the LeT to carry out terror attack in India saying the terrorists have only one motive-to spread terror and they could join hands to achieve their goal.

Handwara / frontier District of Kupwara

Five militants of LeT have been trapped by SFs during a joint operation in the Bawan Watsar forest area of Rajwar in Handwara in the frontier District of Kupwara. A search party of the troops was fired upon when they trapped around five LeT militants inside the forests. Heavy exchange of fire took place and more troops were rushed to the area to cordon off more forest area so that the militants don't manage to flee.

Jammu and Kashmir

Militant outfits LeT and TuM distanced themselves from the IS, saying "they see no scope for the IS and al-Qaeda in J&K". "Kashmiri people don't want aid and support from an external group. They are capable enough to fight against the Indian aggression themselves," LeT spokesperson Abdullah Ghaznavi said. He described the IS as "production of anti-Islamic Western countries". "To link our struggle with the IS is mere propaganda unleashed by India," said the LeT spokesman. GOC, 16 Corps, Lt. General R.R Nimbhorkar on November 19 had expressed apprehensions that "the IS joining hands with the LeT to launch attacks in India can be a possibility as the motive of the terrorists is to spread their propaganda".

Awantipora area / Pulwama District

SFs arrested an OGW of LeT and close aide of its top 'commander', Abu Dujana. Police and 42 RR of Army arrested Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat of Shaliteng Charsoo at Baragam in Awantipora area in Pulwama District. One pistol, 9 pistol and 15 AK-47 rounds were recovered from him. Bhat was working with top LeT commander, Abu Dujana as his OGW. Dujana is one of the masterminds of Udhampur attack of August 5, on BSF convoy. The main mastermind, Abu Qasim was killed in a gun battle in Kulgam last month.

Jammu Police foiled a major plot by the LeT to carry out Udhampur like terror attack in Jammu by arresting a top militant of the outfit from Narwal by-pass near Bathindi road, where he had reached three days back and was staying in a rented room on directions of his Kashmir based mentors. The LeT militant was arrested with INR 47,000, which he had been given by the LeT 'commanders' to create sleeper cells in Jammu, conduct recee of important installations like Jammu Railway Station, Bus Stand etc and find out the places, where the terror attack could be carried out on the pattern of Narsu, Samroli in Udhampur on August 5. The LeT militant captured has been identified as Shabir Ahmad Malik (22), a resident of Tral in Pulwama District of the Kashmir valley.

Army said that at least 60 militants are active in North Kashmir where an Army operation is going on for past two weeks in Kupwara forests against a group of highly trained LeT militants. The GOC 15 Corps, Lt General Satish Dua said on the sidelines of a function in North Kashmir's Handwara town that there are 50 to 60 militants active in North Kashmir. It may be mentioned here that SFs killed 56 militants in North Kashmir this year including those who were killed along the LoC while infiltrating. Replying to a query about Manigah forests operation that is going on for past 11 days, Lt General Dua said that Army has tightened the noose around the group in the forests after their infiltration. "This operation is going on for past few days and one of our officers was martyred and one terrorist was also shot dead. They are not able to go out of this area after infiltration", said the GOC. Lt General Dua said that Army does not use heavy weaponry during the operations to avoid collateral damage. He said that Army in its operations against militants ensures that there is no collateral damage. "It is why we suffer damages and you see in operations our jawans get injured", he added.

The Intelligence agencies of the Government of India have put all financial institutions including banks in both Government and private sectors on high alert following reports that dreaded militant outfits like LeT and HM have generated funds worth several crores from within the country and abroad to step-up militancy in India especially J&K. Official sources said that reports available with the Intelligence agencies on the basis of investigations conducted by financial wings revealed that the two militant outfits, which were being run through 'remote control' from Pakistan and were instrumental in inflicting several casualties of security forces and civilians, had received funds from abroad running into several crores and used them for funding militancy and financing families of both working and slain terrorists. Reports revealed that the two militant outfits had specifically received funds from various Gulf nations and Pakistan apart from some other countries. However, majority of funds had come from Gulf and Pakistan. Some of the funds had also been received from a couple of States within the country. There had been reports that the money had been distributed by both the outfits among their cadre including militants, their families, kin of slain militants and OGWs to sustain the militancy, which had suffered major reverses over the past few years.

SFs busted a LeT funding module in Baramulla District and arrested its two members while hunt for others is going on. The SFs launched a search operation at Chandekut crossing on National Highway in Baramulla District. "During the operation Mushtaq Ahmed Dar resident of Rinji, Baramulla was arrested after a brief pursuit. INR 45,000 of FICN was recovered from him. The questioning of Dar led to the arrest of Aijaz Ahmed Dar resident of Rinji who was the next link in the chain. Mushtaq Ahmed Dar further revealed the involvement of Mohammad Yusuf Chopan, who had been allegedly receiving the FICN from Bangladesh for subsequent conversion to genuine currency and funding of LeT in North Kashmir. Mushtaq Ahmed Dar was in the process of developing a module for LeT at Pattan. Further investigations are likely to reveal more names", Police said.

Army killed three heavily armed infiltrators along the LoC in Sabjian sector of Poonch District when a group of militants was trying to intrude inside the Indian Territory from PoK. The alert troops spotted movement of militants through surveillance devices and immediately challenged them to surrender. However, the militants, who were five in numbers, moved ahead by opening firing on the Army personnel and made desperate attempt to infiltrate inside the Indian Territory. The troops fired on the infiltrators, leading to fierce exchanges that lasted half an hour in which three militants were killed. There were no casualties or damage on the Army side in the firing, sources said, adding that bodies of all three militants have been recovered from the LoC. The militants were Pakistani cadre of LeT and were carrying large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives with them. Troops have recovered the consignment of weaponry from the spot.

Two militants of LeT and one Army trooper were killed and another trooper was injured in an encounter in Rajwar forests of North Kashmir's Kupwara District. "For last few days we were getting reports of militant movement in the forests. We had laid searches and today we noticed the movement and they were challenged by the troops. The gun battle started at 9 a.m. and we killed two militants of LeT. We had information that 4 militants are in the forest area which is a vast and there may be more. We have cleared some of the area and recovered two dead bodies. We lost one jawan in the operation and another one was injured", DIG of Police North Kashmir, Gareeb Dass said. The militant group had managed to give slip to the troops on November 21 in the upper belt of Bhawan forests. Police and Army were tracking them since then.

Six CRPF personnel were injured when militants opened firing on their convoy near Green Tunnel at Samthan in Bijbehara in South Kashmir's Anantnag District. The militants left first few vehicles and targeted two vehicles in the convoy and fled after the attack taking the cover of dense trees. CRPF spokesman, Ashish Kumar Jha, said that three militants in Army fatigues appeared from nearby fields at Sangam in Anantnag near Bijbehara this morning at around 10 am and fired at CRPF convoy. "It was some sort of a Fidayeen attack on the convoy. The militants had planned a proper and big attack on our security forces. But due to alertness of the CRPF Road Opening Patrol deployed on the highway the attack was thwarted. Otherwise, it would have been a major attack," Jha said. The HM outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack. LeT spokesman, Dr Abdullah Ghaznavi, also claimed responsibility for the attack on the CRPF convoy.

Army and Police busted a major hideout of the militants and recovered large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives in Gandoh area of Doda District, thwarting the militant plot to carry out terror strikes. Recoveries made from the spot included one AK-56 rifle, one .303 rifle, two Chinese pistols, one UBGL, two hand grenades, 11 AK-56 magazines, four Chinese pistol magazines, three UBGL grenades, 11 pistol rounds and huge quantity of 7.62mm assorted rounds along with other sustenance stores. Sources said the cache of arms and ammunition had been stocked by the militants inside the hideout to use it at an opportune time reportedly belonged to LeT.

Army recovered a T-Shirt with `Jamat-ud-Dawa Pakistan' written in Urdu on it from Sabjian sector of Poonch District along the LoC, where the troops had gunned down three Pakistani militants on the evening of December 3, thus, thwarting their infiltration attempt. Sources said the T-Shirt in possession of the slain militants with 'Jamat-ud-Dawa writing' has clearly established the role of Pakistan in aiding and abetting militancy and infiltration attempts. LeT militant outfit is an armed wing of JuD, they said, adding the recovery of the T-shirt was an indication that the militants trying to infiltrate into the Indian Territory were backed by Pakistan army and other top militants of the LeT outfit. Apart from JuD T-shirts, a number of other Pakistan made items have also been recovered from the LoC in Sabjian sector during the searches, sources said, adding this has established that the slain infiltrators had originated from Pakistan.

The NIA, which has been gearing up to file chargesheet in August 5 terror attack at Narsu, Samroli in Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, has identified seven local Kashmiri militants and five Pakistani terrorists, who had facilitated the attack along with Pakistani militants of LeT outfit. Official sources said that during the course of investigations and questioning of the seven accused arrested so far in the case, the NIA team has identified half a dozen top local Kashmiri militants, all affiliated with the LeT, who had facilitated the attack with the help of Pakistani militants. The local Kashmiri militants involved in the attack have been identified as Adil Sher Gujari alias Abu Bakri, of Kakpora, Pulwama, Mazid Zargar alias Talha of Kaimoh, Pulwama, Ashiq Hussain Bhat alias Obaida, of Chursoo, Showkat Rather alias Ali, Talib Shah of Kakpora, Fahadullah of Pulwama and Altaf Kachroo of Pulwama. Of them, Talib Shah and Showkat Rather alias Ali have been killed during recent encounters with SFs while five others were still at large and were being searched by SFs and Police. Of five Pakistani militants involved in the attack, three have been killed, one captured and another one was at large. While Abu Qasim and Talib Shah were killed in Kashmir valley recently, Noman alias Momen was killed on spot in retaliatory firing by the BSF on August 5 at Narsu during attack on their convoy. Naved was captured alive by the people and is presently in the judicial custody. Abu Dujana, a top LeT militant and part of the conspiracy behind Narsu attack is also at large.

Police established nakas at several places in Srinagar Bypass at Parimpora and Athwajan after inputs about the movement of a top LeT 'commander' from North Kashmir to South Kashmir. Police frisked several vehicles at Parimpora that were coming from North Kashmir towards Srinagar. Later naka was established at Athwajan Bypass for several hours. However, no one was arrested.

Police and Army recovered body of a suspected militant near Saderkote Balla area in Bandipora District. Army's 13 RR and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the forests area of Saderkote Balla as they had information about presence of at least four militants of LeT in the area.

At least three dozen persons, including 24 Policemen were injured in clashes in Pulwama town in Pulwama District amid a shutdown against the killing of LeT militant. The District Administration had imposed curfew like restrictions in the town after apprehending protests against the killing of LeT militant, identified as Owais Ahmad Sheikh alias Hamza. Owais hurled a grenade on the troops when they challenged him and troops fired back killing him on the spot, during an encounter on December 24. Owais had reached Bandipora on December 19 to transport a group of five LeT militants from the Bandipora forests to South Kashmir. A senior Police officer said that at least 20 Policemen and 12 civilians were injured during clashes. An Army spokesman said one 9mm Chinese pistol, magazine and 8 rounds along with other war like stores were recovered from the sight of encounter.

The Army's 13 RR, 14 RR, 27 RR, 9 Para, SOG Bandipora and SOG Sumbal cordoned off several villages including Chuntmullah, Bazipora, Gutu, Agram, SK Bala and Panar in Bandipora District, and their adjacent forest area to trace out the LeT militant group. Police also seized a vehicle in Awantipora in which the LeT militant group was to be transported.

Top LeT militant Abu Qasim, who was involved in attack on Army Convoy in Srinagar two years ago, was among 100 terrorists killed in encounter with SFs in J&K in 2015, the Army said in Jammu. "During the 2015 year in various successful operations, over 100 terrorists have been neutralised including some top terrorist commanders like Abu Qasim, LeT, who was responsible for Hyderpora attack on Army convoy in 2013," PRO Defence Northern Command, Colonel S D Goswami said. Apart from neutralising terrorists, this year over 350 weapons and 40 IEDs and explosive hauls have been recovered, plus other "warlike and logistics stores". "This clearly highlights the nefarious designs and intransigence of Pakistan to continue abetting terrorism in J&K," Goswami said.

Two militants believed to be from the LeT were killed in an encounter that broke out between militants and SFs, in south Kashmir's Pulwama District. Troops of RR and SOG of the State Police jointly cordoned off Samboora village on receiving information about the presence of militants. As security forces were searching the village, militants hiding in a house opened fire triggering an encounter. Two militants, one local identified as Manzoor Ahmad and a foreigner were killed. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered.