India, April 25 -- In a major breakthrough against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian security forces on Friday eliminated top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Altaf Lalli during an encounter in the Bandipora district. The operation comes just days after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, sending shockwaves across the nation.

The joint forces launched a cordon and search operation in Kulnar Bazipora area of Bandipora after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of militants. As the search intensified, the hiding terrorists opened fire on security personnel, triggering a fierce gunfight in which Lalli was gunned down. Two police personnel were injured during the exchange of fire.

Altaf La...