An encounter broke out between security forces and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Wednesday, police said, according to news agency ANI. Three terrorists, including Lateef Rather, who was involved in several civilian killings including Rahul Bhat and Amreen Bhat is also trapped.
"Encounter has started at Waterhail area of Budgam. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police said in a tweet, as reported by ANI.
"03 terrorists of terror outfit LeT(TRF) including terrorist Lateef Rather trapped in the ongoing encounter. Terrorist Lateef is involved in several #civilian #killings including Rahul Bhat and Amreen Bhat," Kashmir Zone Police said in a tweet quoting Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir, the news agency reported.
Rahul Bhat, a Kashmiri Pandit and an employee of the Jammu and Kashmir revenue department was fired at and killed by terrorists in Budgam on May 12 in his office. After the incident, the Kashmiri Pandit community took to the streets demanding justice. Later two terrorists involved in the attack on Rahul Bhat were killed in an encounter.
Kashmiri TV actor Amreen Bhat was killed by unidentified terrorists in Budgam's Chadoora area on May 26.
(More details awaited. Please refresh the page for updates)