Srinagar, Sep 11 (UNI) A wanted Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander was killed by security forces in a brief encounter in apple township of Sopore in north Kashmir district of Baramulla on Wednesday.

The LeT commander was wanted in the attack on the family of a fruit trader in Sopore in which four persons, including a minor girl, were injured.

Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, Dilbagh Singh said that following specific information about movement of militants, security forces established a checkpoint near Sopore town.

He said person was intercepted and asked to stop at the checkpoint. However, the DGP said that the person threw a grenade at the checkpoint in which three policemen were injured.

Mr Singh said that security force retaliated, ensuing in a brief exchange of fire. 'A top LeT commander, identified as Asif Maqbool Bhat, was killed in the encounter,' he said, adding the ultra was very active in Sopore from last about a month.

'Asif was involved in injuring four family members of a fruit trader, including a 4-year-old girl,' Mr Singh told reporters during a press conference here.

'Other people involved in the attack on the family of the fruit trader will be apprehended soon,' he said.

He said Asif also threatened fruit sellers and traders, directing them not to open their shops in Sopore fruit mandi.

Answering a question about the detention of eight Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in Sopore, the DGP said police has been keeping a close watch on the activities on the people, who are expected to be militant sympathizers. 'The OGWs have been threatening traders on the behest of Pakistan to keep their respective business establishments closed,' he added.

He said after following various leads police was able to arrested eight OGWs during different raids in Sopore recently.

However, Mr Singh refused to give further information about the OGWs, asserting that the investigation is going on.
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