J

Jammu, Sep 5 (UNI) The special task force (STF) of Jammu and Kashmir police has gunned down the most dreaded militant Wasim Khan alias Billu Gujjar in an encounter in Gool area of Udhampur district late last night.

Billu Gujjar was operating in the state since past 17 years, and carried a reward of Rs five lakh on his head.

The self-styled deputy divisional commander of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, Billu Gujjar was cordoned off by security forces at around 0015 hrs, at Manglogi-Dalwah area of Gool tehsil in Udhampur district.

Inspector General of police S P Vaid said Billu had come to the Manglogi-Dalwah area at around 2200 hrs to meet his wife. The STF, acting on a tip-off, challenged him and asked to surrender but Billu opened fire at the jawans.

''The security personnel retaliated in self defence and shot dead Billu, who had managed to give a slip to police, army and paramilitary forces several times since past ten years,'' Mr Vaid said.

One AK rifle along with three magazines and one satellite phone set was recovered from the slain militant, who was active in Doda and Udhampur districts since 1990.

Billu had been involved in dozens of massacres in Jammu region, particularly in Doda and Udhampur districts, police officials said.

''The elimination of Billu Gujjar is a big success for police forces,'' an official said.

UNI HGV AD GC1850