Two HM Militants and singer among four killed in J and K

Srinagar, Mar 30 (UNI) Two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Militants and a singer were among four people killed and two brothers were wounded in Jammu and Kashmir overnight, an official spokesman said today.

A security force jawan was injured in a mine blast, he said adding that a large number of arms and ammunition were recovered in the state during the period.

The Militants kidnapped a singer Ghulam Hassan Shah from his Gundipora Qazigund house in south Kashmir and later shot him dead late last night, he said.

The Militants also kidnapped two brothers Mohammad Yaseen Malla and Manzoor Ahmad Malla from their house at Devsar Kulgam in Anantnag district. Both of them were shot at and critically wounded by militants in the nearby village, he said adding the injured were hospitalised, he added.

Security forces killed a HM militant Bashir Ahmad Mala in an encounter at Zainpora in south Kashmir district of Pulwama today.

The encounter ensued after a search party was attacked by the Militants. One AK rifle, two magazines and 50 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain militant.

Another HM militant Mohammad Ishaq Kohli alias Gazveni was killed and another was arrested by security forces during a search operation at nawapachi Marwah last night. Two AK rifles, three magazines and three IEDs were recovered from the slain militant.

He said a body was recovered from Salotri in Poonch district of Jammu region last night, Later during the search of the area there was a blast causing injuries to a security force personnel. One AK rifle, one pistol, six magazines, two wireless sets, one Remote Control Device and seven hand grenades were recovered from the area.

Security forces also busted a hideout at Haddal forest and recovered some arms and ammunition last night. However, no one was arrested, the spokesman said.

A defence ministry spokesman said troops and special operation group of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation at Nowgam Shopian in South Kashmir district of Pulwama last night. When they were sealing the area, militants opened fire and hurled grenades. Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and exit points sealed, he added.

The operation was suspended last night though the village remained cordoned off. This morning security forces again launched the search operation and in the ensuing encounter the two militants were shot dead. Two AK rifles and other arms and ammuntion were recovered from the spot, the spokesman said.

The slain militants were identified as Abdullah Bhai, a resident of Pakistan and Bilal Lone of Lashker-e-Toiba.

Another LeT militant Abu Suhail was killed when a hand grenade exploded in his hand when he was trying to escape from a cordoned off area at village Chitergam in Pulwama district today.

Last night, militants hurled a hand grenade towards security forces at Kawdara in downtown city. It missed the intended target and exploded on the roadside causing injuries to six people, official sources said.

Sources said militants kidnapped Mehraj Uddin, Sartaj and Jalal from Redwani village last night. Later, they shot at and wounded Mehraj and Jalal while Sartaj managed to escape. The injured were admitted to hospital.

UNI