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This is an archive article published on April 26, 2025

Top militant’s brother killed in encounter, protests in Bandipora

Earlier, security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kulnar Bazipora in Bandipora district following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, the officials said. They said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire.

Bandipora encounter, Bandipora district encounter, Hizbul Mujahideen militant, militant, Bandipora, Bandipora district, Indian express news, current affairsPolice sources said Lali was a “militant associate” and was killed in a gunfight.

A Hizbul Mujahideen militant’s brother, who officials said was a militant associate, was killed in an encounter in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir on Friday.  Two security personnel were injured in the encounter, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Altaf Lali, brother of jailed Hizbul Mujahideen militant Talib Lali. As the news of his death spread, protests erupted in Bandipora’s Ajas with his family alleging that the encounter was fake.

They alleged that he had been picked up by police from his home two days ago.

Police fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters.

Earlier, security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kulnar Bazipora in Bandipora district following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, the officials said. They said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire.

Police sources said Lali was a “militant associate” and was killed in a gunfight.

Talib Lali, arrested in 2023, was the longest surviving militant in Kashmir and was the top militant commander of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. Expertise and Experience Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development. Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor. Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans: Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance. Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley. Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More

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