In what can be termed as a massive success for the Indian Army, top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Qasim was brought down in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday night.
Following a tip off, the Indian Army launched a search in Bandipora village of Kulgam and in what took shape of a fierce gun battle, shot down the terrorist who carried a reward of 20 lakh on his head.
Abu Qasim, believed to be 30 years of age hailed from Bahawalpur in Pakistan and had masterminded several attacks on India, one of them on a Border Security Force Convoy.
He is also accused of killing nine soldiers and injuring 11 others in the June 2013 attack on an Army convoy in Hyderpora on the outskirts of Srinagar. After the Hyderpora attack, the police had announced a Rs. 10 lakh bounty. Later, the National Investigation Agency, which is investigating the Udhampur attack, announced Rs. 10 lakh for any information leading to Qasim’s arrest or killing.
He was killed at 2 in the wee hours of Thursday.
Union Minister of State Jitender Singh said that this is an achievement the entire nation will be proud of, there is determination and clarity with present Government.
He gave credit to the government and said that this has been possible because the present government has a consistent policy towards fighting terrorism.
Meanwhile, Javed Gilani, IGP Kashmir has said that it is a big achievement for them to nab the notorious militant.