Top HM commander among three militants killed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr2 (UNI) A top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was among three militants killed by the security forces and police in the Kashmir valley overnight, official sources said.

They said police launched a swift search operation on a tip off that some top militants were hiding at Soapshali in south Kashmir district of Anantnag this afternoon.

However, when police personnel were sealing the area, militants opened fire. The fire was returned and in the fierce clash a HM commander identified as Hussain Reshi alias Umair was killed. One AK rifle and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant who was wanted in different militancy related incidents.

The militant was carrying a reward on his head, they said.

Sources said a fierce gun fight between militants and security forces in north Kashmir's Bandipora area since last evening continued throughout the night.

The encounter ensued after militants attacked a security force search party at village Haripora, about 55 km from here.

The entire area remained under conrdon after reinforcement was rushed to the area from nearby camps.

Sources said a house from where the militants were firing on security forces was damaged in the encounter.

Two militants who were inside the house are reportedly killed, they said adding one AK rifle was so far recovered.

The debris was being removed to recover the bodies of the militants, they said.

Locals alleged that security forces blasted the house early this morning to kill the militants.

UNI