Let militant killed, 2 others escape in Poonch

Srinagar: A Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was killed while two others managed to escape after an encounter with police and Army in forest area of Poonch district in Jammu region, officials said Tuesday. Inspector General of Police, Jammu Dilbagh Singh told that a top militant of the LeT outfit was killed while another was believed to be injured in the encounter that erupted at village Soni north of Dera Ki Gali (DKG) between Thanna Mandi and Bafliaz in Poonch district last night.He said that operation was launched by police and 16 Rashtriya Rifles following specific information about the presence of militants in the forest area. A statement from Army said that two militants ran away in the thick vegetation under the cover of darkness.  “The area was immediately cordoned off and the strength of troops was beefed up,” the statement said.  Identity of the slain militant has not been ascertained as yet.  Army also claimed recovery of an AK– 56 rifle, two AK 56 magazines, sixty Ak-56 rounds, two hand Grenade and some articles.