Two HM militants among 3 killed, tragedy averted in J and K

Srinagar, Feb 15 (UNI) Two top militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) were among three people killed while security forces averted a major tragedy and also smashed a hideout in the Jammu and Kashmir overnight.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu range, said security forces conducted a search operation at village Gulabgrah in Udhampur district early this morning. During the operation, militants opened fire which was returned by the security forces.

He said in the fierce clash, two HM militants, including a self styled district commander Arshad Ayub, were killed. Two AK rifles and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

Security forces averted a major tragedy when they detected a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by militants at Dhundak in Surankote area last evening to target security forces.

The area was immediately sealed and bomb disposal squad defused the 4 kg IED without causing any damage.

An official spokesman said the body of a woman was recovered at Barzulla today.

He said security forces busted a hideout and recovered five ak rifles,five IEDs, five detonators, five magzines, one pistol and 200 rounds of ammunition at Stali Cheer Balakote and Dharamsal last night. However, no one was arrested.

UNI