Budgam: A most-wanted terrorist affiliated with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed in an encounter with joint security forces in the higher reaches of Budgam district, officials said.

The slain terrorist has been identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, according to the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army.

The operation, code-named Operation KORAG, was launched after security forces established contact with terrorists in the general area of Korag, Yousmarg, officials said.

The Army said its troops, along with other security forces, observed suspicious movement during the operation. When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the ensuing operation, one terrorist was neutralised. The search operation continued through the night in the densely forested and remote areas of the region.

In its latest update, the Chinar Corps said that during a search early Wednesday morning in the general area of Palmaidan, the body of the Pakistan-based LeT terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, was recovered along with war-like stores. The Army said the operation remains underway.

Officials said Moosa was wanted in connection with several attacks on both sides of the Pir Panjal range over the past several years. He had reportedly escaped an encounter in the Yousmarg hills earlier this month.

His close associate Yasir was killed in an encounter in the Yousmarg area on September 5, officials said.

The security forces have cordoned off the area and additional forces have been deployed to prevent any attempt by other terrorists to escape from the forested area.

The operation is continuing, with security forces conducting searches in the surrounding areas.

Further details are awaited.