How security forces cornered LeT commander Abu Dujana in Pulwama

The Jammu and Kashmir Police described the killing of Abu Dujana as "good riddance to a nuisance" and said operations against all militants will continue irrespective of civilian protests.

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Srinagar: Top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Abu Dujana, a Pakistani national wanted in connection with many attacks on security forces, and his aide were on Tuesday killed in an encounter in Pulwama district of Kashmir.

As the security forces were engaged in the counter-militancy operation, over 100 protestors pelted stones on them, an Army official said. In a bid to disperse stone pelters, security forces opened fire, killing one person and injuring several others.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police described the killing of Dujana as "good riddance to a nuisance" and said operations against all militants will continue irrespective of civilian protests.

Addressing the media with Lt Gen JS Sandhu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army`s 15th Corps, Inspector General of Police Munir Khan said: "Dujana`s killing is good riddance to a nuisance in the area."

Khan added: "Whether or not there are protests and disruptions by protesters during our operations against militants, the security forces will continue their operations."

Who is Abu Dujana and what his death means for Indian security forces?

He said the security forces tried to persuade the holed up militants in Hakripora village in Pulwama district on Tuesday to surrender. The local militant who died with Dujana was said to be Arif Lalihaari.

"The head of the family of the house where Dujana and Arif were hiding was used to persuade them to surrender. Perhaps because of the presence of Dujana, Arif, a local militant, could not surrender," the police officer said.

Both Khan and Lt Gen Sandhu said Dujana was now mostly indulging in "ayyashi" (debauchery) more than engaging himself in terrorist activities.

Khan said all the overground operatives who helped terrorists to carry out the attack on Amarnath pilgrims on July 10 in which eight people were killed had been arrested.

"They are with us and they are singing. We have also seized vehicles involved in the attack. The case has been cracked. It is now only the militants involved in the attack who are to be neutralized."

Asked about the next militant the security forces were targeting, Khan said: "Every militant active in the Kashmir Valley is our next target."