JK: 3 ultras killed, HM Commander held in Doda

Jammu, Sep 15: Three top militants were killed in two different encounters in bordering Ramban and Poonch districts while a Hizb-ul-Mujaheedin (HM) commander was apprehended by security forces in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources here today said.

''Based on a tip-off, about the presence of three top militants in Gool area of Ramban district, a joint operation was launched by police and the Army last evening,'' sources said.

The militants, however, after observing movement of security forces, escaped to the nearby forests and opened fire on the searching party, which was retaliated following heavy exchange of firing between the security forces and the militants.

Meanwhile, during the encounter, HM top militant identified as Munir Pir alias Munawar, resident of Sumbal, Ramban was gunned by the security forces while two ultras managed to escape taking the cover of darkness.

''One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, a hand grenade, one pouch and a radio set were recovered from the slain militant,'' official sources added.

Meanwhile in another encounter, two militants were killed in Surankot tehsil of Poonch district, sources said.

''On getting information about the presence of militants in village Tararan Wali in Surankot area, security forces conducted raids late evening,'' sources asserted.

The militants, on seeing the army and the police searching the area, opened fire resulting into an encounter.

''During the fierce gun battle, two militants are believed to be killed while the third one managed to escape,'' the sources added.

Meanwhile, a top Hizbul Mujaheedin Commander was arrested by the police in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, sources said.

''Top Hizbul militant identified as Shabir Ahmed Bhat, resident of Thub, Doda was captured is a joint operation conducted by the police, troops of 8 Rashtriya Rifles and 76 BN CRPF in Thub area late last evening,'' police sources said.

One AK-47 rifle with 12 rounds was recovered from is possession.

UNI