In a major breakthrough against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian security forces on Friday eliminated top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Altaf Lalli during an encounter in the Bandipora district. The operation comes just days after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, sending shockwaves across the nation.
The joint forces launched a cordon and search operation in Kulnar Bazipora area of Bandipora after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of militants. As the search intensified, the hiding terrorists opened fire on security personnel, triggering a fierce gunfight in which Lalli was gunned down. Two police personnel were injured during the exchange of fire.
Altaf Lalli was a top LeT commander and considered a key player in orchestrating attacks in the Kashmir Valley. His neutralization is seen as a significant blow to the terror network operating in the region.
Coinciding with the encounter, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Kashmir to assess the security situation following the recent spate of violence. Accompanied by Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Commander of the Northern Command, the Army Chief held high-level security briefings with top commanders to review strategies and actions taken post-Pahalgam massacre.
This high-profile visit also comes on the heels of cross-border provocation, as Pakistan resorted to small arms firing along the Line of Control less than 24 hours earlier. The swift elimination of a key Lashkar figure signals India’s hardened stance and accelerated counter-terror operations in the Valley.
