Security forces kill 5 HM militants in Kishtwar

Jammu, Oct 27 (UNI) Security forces today gunned down five militants of Hizb-ul-Mujaheedin (HM) in a fierce gun battle in mountainous Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources here said.

''On specific information about the presence of militants in the forests of remote Methwal village in Nawapachi area of Kishtwar district, a joint search operation was launched by the troops of 11 Rashtriya Rifles and the police,'' sources told UNI.

The militants however, opened fire upon the troops, which was retaliated triggering into a fierce gun battle in which five militants of HM outfit were gunned down, they said.

The slain militants have been identified as Dodu resident of Kellar Marwah, Mohd Rajab code Imtiyaz, resident of Afti, Warwan, Mohd Shafi, Yasir and Junaid, residents of Bungam, Kaderan.

The operation was in progress while security forces recovered four rifles from the slain militants and search has been intensified.

UNI VBH PD SK BST2042