Top Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Altaf Lally Killed in Bandipora Encounter
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified anti-terror operations following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. In the latest development, a top commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Altaf Lally, was killed during a fierce encounter in the Bandipora district of North Kashmir.
Based on credible intelligence input about the presence of militants in the Gulnar Ajas area of Bandipora, a joint team of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon and search operation. As the forces tightened the cordon and began searching suspected houses, terrorists hiding in the area opened fire, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire.
During the gunbattle, Altaf Lally, a high-ranking commander of the LeT, was neutralized by the security forces. He was reportedly involved in numerous terror activities in the Kashmir Valley over the past several years and had been on the radar of intelligence agencies. His elimination is being seen as a major success for the security establishment in the region.
Officials confirmed that two security personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. They were immediately shifted to a military hospital for treatment and are reported to be out of danger. Additionally, a cache of arms and ammunition, including assault rifles and hand grenades, was recovered from the site of the encounter.
Altaf Lally was known for recruiting and radicalizing local youth to join terrorist outfits. He played a key role in organizing attacks on security forces and civilians, as well as in cross-border logistics and communication for the LeT. His death is considered a significant blow to the terror network operating in North Kashmir.
Security sources revealed that the operation was meticulously planned based on specific human and technical intelligence. Over the past few weeks, there have been several attempts by terrorists to infiltrate from across the Line of Control (LoC), and the forces have been on high alert. The killing of a top commander like Altaf Lally is likely to disrupt the LeT’s plans in the region.
Meanwhile, search operations in the surrounding areas are ongoing to ensure that no other terrorists are hiding nearby. Senior officers have lauded the bravery and coordination of the security personnel involved in the encounter.
The Jammu and Kashmir police have reiterated their commitment to uprooting terrorism from the region and maintaining peace and order. They have also urged the youth of the valley to stay away from extremist ideologies and work towards building a peaceful future.
This encounter adds to a series of recent successes by the Indian security forces in their fight against terrorism in the Union Territory. As operations continue, officials warn that while major gains have been made, the threat remains, and vigilance must not be lowered.
