Manhunt on for LeT terrorist behind attack on Amarnath pilgrims

Srinagar, July 12 (IANS) A massive manhunt has been launched in Jammu and Kashmir for Pakistani LeT terrorist Muhammad Abu Ismail, who, according to police sources, headed the group that attacked a bus carrying Amarnath yatris, killing seven pilgrims.

Police sources here said the 26-year old Ismail infiltrated into the Valley two years back and has since been carrying on terror activities in south Kashmir area.

"Abu Ismail with at least one foreign terrorist and two to three local terrorists of LeT carried out the attack on the Yatra bus on Monday," said a source, adding information based on intercepts indicates that the attack was planned by him too.

"The terrorists came on two motorcycles and fired at least a hundred rounds from their automatic weapons at the bus at two places.

"After the first attack, the terrorists chased the bus and fired at it for the second time," said a source, noting that although investigations into the terror attack were in the initial stages, yet the involvement of Abu Ismail had been established beyond any doubt.

Police believe the attack was carried out in revenge against the arrest of LeT terrorist Sandeep Kumar Sharma who had been produced before the media by the police.

Sharma, according to police, was involved in the killing of an SHO and five policemen in Achabal area of Anantnag district last month.

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