Jammu and Kashmir: LeT chief Abu Dujana, who carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh, killed in Pulwama encounter; clashes erupt

As the encounter ended, heavy stone-pelting by locals on security forces began.
Srinagar: Top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Abu Dujana was killed on Tuesday in an encounter with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district.
A local militant identified as Arif Lalihaari was also killed in the gunfight that took place in Hakripora village.
State police chief SP Vaid refused to provide further details, saying more information would be furnished only after the bodies are recovered from the encounter site.
As the encounter ended, heavy stone-pelting by locals on security forces began. Over 100 “miscreants” started pelting stones at security forces involved in the anti-militancy operation, injuring at least two persons.
A police official said that the security forces used tear smoke shells, pellets and fired few live rounds to disperse the stone-pelting protestors.
Jehangir Ahmad Dar was hit by a bullet in the back while Mudasir Ahmad was hit by pellets in the chest, the official said, adding both have been admitted to different hospitals.
Acting on specific information about the presence of Dujana and Lalihaari, a joint cordon and search operations (CASO) was launched by 182 Battalion, 183 Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Hakripora at about 4:30 am.
The encounter started after the militants opened fired on security forces.
“The operation is ongoing,” the officials said, adding: “The process of recovering the bodies have started.”
Two houses in the village were destroyed in the gunfight, but no civilian casualties were reported.
Dujana was wanted in over three dozen attacks on security forces and civilians and carried a reward of Rs 15 lakh.
He was the most wanted militant commander in the state.
Once Dujana`s body is recovered and identified, it would be the biggest success for the security forces in their anti-militancy operations, the officials added.