Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir): Three Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Fateh Kadal area this morning. A Special Operation Group jawan also lost his life in the encounter.  The three terrorists have been identified as Mehrajuddin Bangroo, Faizan and Abdullah. Bangroo was a Lashkar commander and belonged to the Lashkar module operating in the Srinagar region. His elimination is considered a major success for the security forces.

The terrorists were holed up in a building part of which was set ablaze during the battle. Authorities were prompted to close down schools and snap internet services. The encounter began after security forces had launched a search operation in Fateh Kadal in the old city following an intelligence about the presence of terrorists there. As the forces were conducting search, the terrorists fired upon them, triggering an encounter.

The authorities are preventing the fire in the building from spreading to neighbouring buildings in the high-density locality.

The SOG jawan killed was identified as constable Kamal who belonged to Jammu.



Security forces also thrashed journalists and cameramen present at the spot covering the encounter. ABP News reporter Asif Qureshi and a cameraman suffered injuries. The security personnel dragged about a dozen media persons from the encounter spot to another.