Srinigar, Kashmir: Car bomb cell leader killed

Harkat-ul Mujahideen militants. BBC


Self-styled Harkat-ul-Mujahideen commander shot dead in J&K
12 Aug 2007, 1603 hrs IST,PTI
Times of India

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SRINAGAR: A self-styled district commander of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen militant outfit, who was planning major strikes on the eve of Independence Day, was on Sunday shot dead by police in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abu Shaheen Afghani was killed in an operation by police at Krankishivan in Sopore area, 55 kms from here, Baramulla Senior Superintendent of Police Viplay Kumar told reporters.
He said the recoveries made from the scene of the shootout, included an explosive laden car to be used as a car bomb.
Kumar said the police received specific information that militants were planning a big strike in Sopore town on the eve of Independence Day and were hiding in the village on the outskirts of the town.
An operation was launched by Sopore Police and as the law enforcers cordoned off the target area, militants opened indiscriminate fire.
Afghani was gunned down in the ensuing shootout, the SSP said, adding his elimination was a big blow to the militants.
He said Afghani took over as the district commander of Baramulla following the arrest of Abu Bakr couple of months back and was mainly operating in Shiva-Dangerpora area of Sopore.
An AK-47 rifle, two AK magazines, one Chinese pistol, two pistol magazines, 30 rounds of ammunition, two hand grenades and one pouch were also recovered from the encounter site.
He said police have arrested some people during investigations but refused to divulge details.