Srinagar: Top Lashkar-e-Toiba militant Abu Umar, the brain behind the Akshardham temple attack and massacre of 24 Hindus at Nadimarg, was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on September 16.

Umar, self-styled divisional commander of LeT, was killed along with two other militants in a joint operation by BSF (Border Security Force) and Rashtriya Rifles personnel at Narwani-Zainapora in Shopian area, Inspector General of BSF Vijay Raman told reporters.

One of the security personnel was also killed and four others injured in the encounter, which broke out at 7 am and lasted several hours.

The exchange of fire took place when security personnel launched combing operation in the area on a tip off about presence of militants but unaware that Umar was also there.

PTI