Top Hizb commander among 3 killed, IED blasts in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 15 (UNI) Two militants, including a top commander of the Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen, were among three people killed while ultras triggered three Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts -- one of these on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway -- across the Kashmir valley overnight, police said today.

They said personnel of 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, on specific information, launched a cordon and search operation at Zainabhatoo village in Shopian area of the newly-carved Kulgam district in south Kashmir this morning.

During the operation, the militants, believed to be three in number, were found to have taken refuge in the house of Gulla Bhat.

The militants were asked to surrender, but refused and instead opened an indiscriminate fire on the security forces which was effectively retaliated, police said.

In the ensuing fierce gunfight, two militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen were killed.

Among the two slain militants was Hizb battalion commander Muzammil Wagay alias Assadullah alias Nana and Muzaffar Ahmed Parray alias Murtaza, both residents of Shopian area.

The encounter was on till reports last came in. The third holed- up militant was firing on the security forces from inside the house.

Police said the two slain ultras were listed militants and wanted in number of cases.

Wagay had kidnapped Nazir Ahmed Kumar, a resident of Manihal Zainapora, and later killed him. He was also responsible for firing on a Congress worker, Mohammad Shafi Banday, and his two personal security officers at Gabberpora in Pulwama.

One of the guards, identified as Bashir Ahmed, later succumbed to injuries. A case in this regard stands registered at the Pulwama police station.

Police said the decapitated body of Manzoor Ahmad Chat was found from paddy fields at Gundipora in Pinglana area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district this morning.

Chat, a resident of Tulbagh in Pampore area, had gone missing last evening. His cousin, Shabir Ahmed Mir, was killed some days ago under similar circumstances.

The body has been taken to a hospital for autopsy. Police have taken cognizance and launched massive efforts to nab the killers.

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