Srinagar, Dec. 26 (TNS): Indian forces have killed a top fighter along with his associates during a gun battle in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Indian police said in a statement on Tuesday that Noor Mohammad Tantray, alleged head of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) group, and his comrades were shot dead outside the main city of Srinagar.
Indian troops cordoned off a group of houses in Samboora, “which resulted in a fierce gun battle leading to elimination of top commander Noor Mohammad Tantray,” the statement said.
Police described the operation as a “significant breakthrough” after Tantray’s body was found under debris on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old commander was described by officials as a new “security headache” when he took over as the head of the group.
According to police, Tantray spent 12 years in jail after being convicted in a case of militancy in 2003, but jumped parole two years later to rejoin JeM.
As the news of Tantray’s death spread, hundreds of Kashmiri people rushed to the scene, chanting anti-India slogans and hurling stones at the troops.
Security forces used tear gas and pellet guns to disperse angry protesters. At least six protesters were injured.
