SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- A militant commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit was killed Wednesday in a gunfight with troops in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.
The gunfight broke out at village Banderpora-Koil of Pulwama district, about 33 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"LeT district commander was killed in a gunfight with joint contingents of police and army here today," a senior police official posted in Pulwama told Xinhua. "The gunfight lasted for a brief period."
Police said the government forces had set up a barricade on the road on intelligence inputs suggesting that the militant commander was travelling in a vehicle.
"No sooner the vehicle reached the barricade, it was asked to stop but the militant present inside opened fire, evoking a retaliation, during which he was killed," the official said.
Reports said a policeman was also wounded in the firefight.
The slain militant was identified as Ayub Lelhari, a local cadre.
The region's police chief described the killing as major success and told media Lelhari was one of the most wanted militants.
Lelhari's killing came two days after a deadly gunfight in the region, which claimed seven lives including two of civilians.
A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989. Gunfights between militants and Indian troops take place intermittently across the region.
Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
