Top HM commander killed in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 21 (UNI) A top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was killed by security forces in north Kashmir last night official sources today said.

They said security forces and police, on a tip off, conducted search operation at village Tathakund Qazigund in south Kashmir late last night.

However, when the security forces were sealing the area, militants fired upon them with automatic weapons and also hurled grenades. The fire was returned and in the ensuing gun battle, a self styled District Commander of HM Farooq Ahmad was killed. An AK rifle and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant.

However, a HM spokesman of the HM confirming the death of arooq, alleged he was arrested and later killed in custody by police.

He said Farooq had crossed over to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) in early 1990 and remained there for nine years. However, he returned here and was active in south Kashmir since 2000.

UNI BAS VD RS1523