Top militant killed, LeT ultra arrested, hideout busted in J

Srinagar, Jan 11 (UNI) Troops killed a top militant in an encounter near Handwara in Kupwara district of north Kashmir today, a defence spokesman said.

Troops of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), on specific information, launched a search operation in Wadarbala forest area near Handwara this afternoon, he added.

As troops were searching the area, militants opened fire on them with automatic weapons. The fire was retaliated and in the ensuing gun-battle, a top militant was killed, the spokesman said.

He said a pistol, some ammunition and a radio set were seized from the possession of the slain militant.

The operation was in progress when reports last came in.

Security forces X X X Eds here picking up from line one para one of DR 76 INSURGENCY-ROUNDUP-KASHMIR.

UNI