Militant commander killed in clashes with Kashmir security forces

Feb 22, 2012, 7:25 GMT

Srinagar, Kashmir - Security forces shot dead a high-ranking commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) separatist group in India-administered Kashmir, police said Wednesday.

The clash began after troops surrounded a house in the town of Sopore, 50 kilometres north-west of state capital Srinagar late Tuesday following a tip-off.

'Abu Badar, one of the most senior commanders of LeT in the Kashmir valley, was killed in the gunbattle,' Sopore police chief Syed Imtiyaz Hussain told reporters. A soldier was also injured.

Hussain said Badar was a Pakistani national, suspected of involvement in several killings and violent incidents in the area.

His death marked a major success in operations against rebels in the insurgency-hit region, security forces said.

Kashmir is divided into two parts, one administered by India and the other by Pakistan. The neighbouring countries have fought two wars over the disputed region.

In total more than 45,000 civilians, militants and members of the security forces have been killed in the secessionist movement in India-administered Kashmir.

India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of aiding Kashmiri militants on its side of the border. Islamabad has denied the charge, calling the insurgents freedom fighters.

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