December 3, 2024: A terrorist affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Dachingram area on Tuesday, officials confirmed. The terrorist, identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat, was a local Lashkar commander and was involved in a series of recent civilian killings, including the deadly attack on migrant workers in Ganderbal.

According to the Kashmir Police, Bhat was responsible for several terror attacks, notably the brutal assault in Gagangir, Ganderbal, and other parts of the region. His role in these attacks had made him a prime target for security forces.

The encounter, which took place late on Monday evening, followed a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The forces launched the operation based on credible intelligence suggesting the presence of a non-local terrorist group in the area. Sources indicated that two terrorists were initially believed to be trapped in the operation zone as the search intensified.

Bhat’s death is being hailed as a significant blow to LeT operations in the Kashmir Valley, especially as he was allegedly linked to high-profile attacks. One of the most notable incidents tied to him was the attack on October 20 at a tunnel construction site in Ganderbal, which resulted in the deaths of a doctor and six migrant workers. In the aftermath of the attack, a CCTV image surfaced showing Bhat entering the workers' camp dressed in black, wrapped in a grey shawl, and carrying a rifle—confirming his involvement in the terror strike.

Bhat hailed from Kulgam in southern Kashmir and had been under surveillance for his activities in the region. Security agencies have been closely monitoring his movements for months, and his killing is expected to have a significant impact on LeT operations in the region.