Hizbul deputy commander killed in encounter at Doda

Jammu, July 3 : Security forces today gunned down a deputy commander of the Hizbul Mujaheedin after a two-hour-long gun battle at village Sharakhi 12 kms from Bhaderwah town in Doda district.

Sources said, acting on specific information, troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles(RR) and Special Task Force(STF) launched a joint operation at village Sharakhi.

Militants hiding in the village refused the troops' offer to surrender and opened fire on them. In the ensuing encounter, the militant was shot dead by the security forces.

Sources said the militant, identified as Tariq Usman alias Wafadar, was active in Doda and Udhampur districts for the last 12 years.

One AK-47 rife, three magazines and seven AK rounds were recovered from his possession.

UNI