Srinagar, Oct 27: Top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Abu Maaz was among the two militants killed in a gunfight with the government forces in Pazalpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday, reports said today.
SSP Sopore Javid Iqbal, according to news agency GNS, identified the slain duo as Abu Maaz and his close associate Ali Bhai alias Zubair of Lashkar-e-Toiba.
Abu Maaz, the officer said, was involved in a number of attacks in Sopore including the killing of Tawseef Ahmad Ganie (shopkeeper) as well as a number of SPOs.
He said that Maaz was the top commander of the outfit and was active since at least three years in Sopore. “He was instrumental in recruiting youth into militancy, “the SSP said and termed the killing as “major achievement” for the government forces.
The slain militant commander carried a reward on his head, the officer said.
The duo was buried in Reshwari area of Waderballa in Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district last night.
