SRINAGAR: Indian security forces killed a suspected Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) commander in the occupied Kashmir valley on Tuesday in what has come to be known as the deadliest year in IHK in a decade.
The suspected JeM group leader in the Kashmir valley, Noor Mohammad Tantray was trapped in a house outside Srinagar on Monday evening along with his associates, which triggered a fierce overnight gun battle.
Police described the operation as a “significant breakthrough” after Tantray’s body was found under debris on Tuesday.
Police and troops cordoned off a group of houses at Samboora, “which resulted in a fierce gun battle leading to the elimination of top JeM commander Noor Mohammad Tantray,” police said in a statement.
Tantray’s two associates managed to escape, a police official said on condition of anonymity.
The three-foot-tall 47-year-old was described by officials as a new “security headache” when he took over as head of the group in IHK last year.
According to the police in IHK, he spent 12 years in jail after being convicted in a case of militancy in 2003, but jumped parole two years later to allegedly rejoin JeM.
As the news of Tantray’s death spread, hundreds of residents shouting “Go, India, go back!” spilt onto the streets, throwing stones and clashing with government forces who fired tear gas and pellet guns.
At least six protesters were injured, a police officer said.
The Kashmir Media Service also reported Tantray’s death. There was no mention, however, of his alleged ties to JeM.
Violence had steadily decreased in IHK during the last decade but this year some 350 deaths have been reported following the Indian army’s anti-militant offensive dubbed as ‘Operation All-Out’.
Officials and rights groups say 210 suspected rebels, mostly locals, 57 civilians and 82 troops or police have been killed this year.