Lashkar-e-Taiba rebel surrenders in Doda

Doda, Aug 16 (ANI): A local commander of the banned Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) surrendered before Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda District on Friday.

Abdul Rashid handed over a gun and an ammunition box with a belt and ten rounds.

"His name is Abdul Rashid, code named Abu Abdullah. He has surrendered with his Pika gun and ammunition. We wish that as he has returned home, other militants should also follow suit and get benefited by government's surrender policy," said Raghubir Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police.

"I appeal to other colleagues that if they want to lead peaceful lives, they should come and surrender like me. I have surrendered to the security forces and am sitting here fearlessly with them and having food," Rashid said.

LeT is currently based near Lahore in Pakistan and allegedly operates several militant training camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

LeT members are reported to have carried out major attacks against India. Some breakaway Lashkar members have also been accused of carrying out attacks in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.

The organization is banned as a terrorist organization by India, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and Australia.

According to some intelligence agencies, the LeT renamed itself the Jamaat al-Dawat in January 2002 to escape a Pakistan Government ban order. (ANI)