||Black and White Digital News||

Srinagar, May 7:

In a significant development, the Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V K Birdi, confirmed that top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)/The Resistance Front (TRF) commander Basit Dar was among two militants killed on Tuesday during a fierce gunfight in Redwani Payeen of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Basit Dar, a most wanted militant, had been evading capture for three years since he joined TRF, a front organization of LeT. He was involved in orchestrating multiple attacks, particularly in Srinagar, and was also the mastermind behind several civilian killings, according to the police.

The encounter, described as intense by security forces, marks a significant breakthrough in the region’s efforts to curb militant activities. Basit Dar’s elimination is perceived as a major success for security agencies, given his key role in militant operations across the valley.

The news of Basit Dar’s death comes at a time when concerns over escalating terrorist activities ahead of the upcoming elections have been mounting. Recent months have witnessed a surge in violence perpetrated by extremist groups, posing a serious threat to the security landscape in the region.

DGP R.R. Swain has reaffirmed a strong stance against terrorism, declaring that any act of terrorism will be met with unwavering force and determination. The increased incidents of violence in the context of the elections have prompted law enforcement to heighten vigilance and adopt stringent measures to ensure public safety during this critical period.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of TRF chief Basit Ahmed Dar, underscoring the significance of his role within the militant network.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between intelligence agencies and local communities to thwart terror activities and maintain peace, especially during the sensitive election period. The death of Basit Dar serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by terrorism in the region and underscores the need for concerted efforts to safeguard civilian lives and uphold the democratic process amidst heightened security concerns.