Two Hizb militants killed in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 6 (UNI) Two wanted Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed by security forces in a joint operation today in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, a senior police officer said.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Kulgam, S P Pani said personnel of 1 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the fifth battalion of the CRPF and the police conducted a joint search operation at Hassanpora village in Kulgam district this afternoon based on specific information.

During the operation, militants opened heavy fire on the security personnel from the house of Mohammad Ramzan Mir, which was effectively retaliated, resulting in a fierce gun-battle, he added.

The SP said the house got badly damaged in the gunfight and later during the search of the debris the bodies of two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were recovered from there.

The slain Hizb militants were identified as Tariq Ahmed Ganai alias Shahid Kafeel and Mohammad Abbas Wagay alias Basit.

Mr Pani said the mother and relatives of Ganai were called and asked to motivate him for surrender, but the militant refused and fired indiscriminately on the security personnel.

Ganai was involved in several cases registered at Yaripora and Kulgam police stations and also in the killing of SPO Bilal Ahmad, he said, adding the ultra had returned from Pakistan in April 2007.

The SP said Ganai was missing since 1998 and a report in this connection still stands registered.

The killing of these militants was being considered a severe jolt to the pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, Mr Pani said.

He said Wagay was involved in the killings of Irshad Ahmed Lone and SPO Bilal Ahmad, throwing of a grenade at Quimoh and in firing on CPI(M) worker Nazir Ahmed Bhat at Kujar.

The two militants were directed to enhance subversive activities in the area by Sajad Ahmad Bhat alias Tahir alias Maqsood of the Hizb, Mr Pani claimed.

UNI