Top HM commander, soldier among 7 killed in J and K

Srinagar, July 23 (UNI) Two militants including a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) who was an expert in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a soldier were among seven people killed in the Kashmir valley overnight.

Police and 42 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint operation at Mandoora, Tral, about 35 km from here in south Kashmir today after receiving specific information about the presence of militants there, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) said.

As the security forces were about to storm a particular house militants opened fire, he said. The security forces repeatedly asked the holed up militants to surrender, who kept on firing.

The security forces also retaliated and in the clash two HM militants were killed.

The slain militants were identified as HM commander Aijaz Ahmad, who was a most wanted B category militant, and Yousuf Najar alias Illiyas.

Ahmad was an expert in making, planting and detonating IEDs in south Kashmir. Two AK rifles, eight magazines and two hand grenades were recovered from the slain militant. The house in which the militants were hiding was also damaged in the shootout, the Dy SP said.

A group of militants fired upon a partrol party of 3 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) at Dadu Marhama under the police station Bijbehara during the preceeding night of July 22/23, he added.

Two soldiers were wounded in the attack, he said, adding the injured were hospitalised where one of them died.

Troops also retaliated but the militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

Militants kidnapped and later killed one Moti Lal at Singhpora orest, an official spokesman said.

The body of a former militant was recovered from Kither Bonjwa in Doda district today.

Besides, the body of a woman was recovered at Karnah while another body was recovered at Handwara.

A group of three masked men entered the house of one Zakir Hussain and looted Rs 1,56,000 at Charan in Rajouri, the Dy SP said.

Hussain had recently returned from Saudi Arabia.

UNI