HM top commander killed in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 9 (UNI) Security forces in a joint operation gunned down a self-styled district commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in an encounter in south Kashmir early this morning.

Officials said troops of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation at village Neeldora, Shopian, in south Kashmir following a tip-off that militants were hiding there.

They said as the troops were about to storm a particular house, they came under heavy fire from militants. The fire was returned and in the fierce clash the HM Ultra, Major Gul, a resident of Pakistan, was killed. One AK rifle and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant.

Officials said Gul was involved in a number of militancy-related incidents in south Kashmir.

UNI BAS MSJ DB1131