Two top HM commanders killed, 5 soldiers among 9 injured in J

Srinagar, Apr 28 (UNI) Two top commanders of the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) were killed and nine others, including five soldiers, wounded while security forces busted a hideout in the Jammu and Kashmir overnight.

Official sources said an encounter took place between militants and security forces at Churnar forest in the frontier district of Kupwara this afternoon during a search operation.

They said the operation was still going on when reports last came in.

So far four soldiers were injured in the clash, they added.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG), police north Kashmir Dr B Srinivas said Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, assisted by troops of 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 45 batallion CRPF, launched a search operation at village Raipora Palhalan, Pattan in Baramulla district.

However, when the troops were about to storm a particular house of one Mohammad Akbar Malla, militants opened fire.

Troops rescued all the civilians from the house where the militants were hiding.

Later, in a major offensive both the militants were killed, he said and identified them as Zahoor Ahmad Waza alias Zee Shan, Financial Chief of HM outfit and Mohammad Yousuf Bhat alias Muneer.

The house was also damaged in the encounter, he said adding Waza was appointed Financial Chief after the death of Hanief Khan in an encounter at Tral.

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