In a decisive operation, security forces successfully neutralized a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, identified as Quari, responsible for orchestrating the Dhangri and Kandi terror attacks. The encounter, which unfolded in the challenging terrains of Kalakote in Rajouri, unfortunately claimed the lives of two army officers and two soldiers, with an additional soldier losing his life on Thursday.
Quari, a Pakistani national and an Afghan-trained terrorist, was a proficient sniper, adept in guerrilla warfare, and possessed expertise in handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security forces launched the operation based on intelligence inputs, marking an ongoing effort to counter terrorism in the region.
“A top LeT commander identified as Quari, the mastermind behind Dhangri and Kandi attacks, along with his associate, was killed in the Baajimal-Kalakote area on Thursday during an encounter with the security forces,” confirmed a police spokesperson.
The Dhangri attack on January 1 and 2 resulted in the tragic loss of seven members of the Hindu community. Subsequently, on May 5, five soldiers fell victim to an attack during an encounter inside Kandi forest in Rajouri.
Quari, who had been sent to rekindle terrorism in the region, was adept at using caves for guerrilla warfare and was known as a trained sniper. The encounter yielded incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, recovered from Quari’s possession.
The security forces also eliminated Quari’s associate during the operation. The bodies of both terrorists have been retrieved and are undergoing medico-legal formalities. The area is currently undergoing thorough searches to ensure the absence of any other potential threats or support structures.
The loss of one more soldier on Thursday brings the army’s toll to five, with the fallen heroes identified as Captain MV Pranjal, Captain Shubham Gupta, Havaldar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, and Paratrooper Sachin Laur.
The terrorists, first seen seeking food in the house of a late religious leader on Sunday, later engaged in a violent encounter with security forces, strategically positioning themselves atop hills in Solki. The valiant army officers and soldiers faced heavy fire from the terrorists, resulting in a heavy toll on Wednesday.
This incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region, and security forces remain vigilant to thwart any potential infiltration attempts. The sacrifice of the brave officers and soldiers in the line of duty serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.