Srinagar/Bandipora (National Times): In a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, security forces on Thursday neutralized Altaf Lalli, a top commander of Pakistan-backed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in a fierce gun battle in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The high-stakes operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs, with elite units executing the mission with tactical precision. Officials confirmed that Lalli was directly responsible for orchestrating multiple terror attacks in the Valley, and his elimination marks a major success in the ongoing anti-terror crackdown.
“This is a big win for our forces. Altaf Lalli had been on the radar for a long time. His role in spreading terror and targeting civilians and security personnel was well established,” said a senior official involved in the operation.
The encounter unfolded in the early hours of the day and lasted several hours. Lalli opened fire upon being cornered, leading to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire, during which he was shot dead.
Security agencies had long considered Lalli one of the most dangerous and influential LeT commanders active in northern Kashmir. His killing is expected to significantly dent the group’s operations in the region.
The encounter comes amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s ongoing measures to crack down on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
A search operation is underway in the area to ensure no additional militants are hiding in the vicinity. Officials reiterated their commitment to neutralizing all threats to national security and ensuring the safety of civilians in the region.
