Top commander killed, major set back to HM in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 29 (UNI) A top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was killed by the security forces in a fierce encounter in south Kashmir today, officials sources said.

Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a joint operation at village Naina, Batapora, in Pulwama district today following a tip-off about the presence of militants there.

However, when the security forces were about to storm a particular area, militants opened fire, ensuing a fierce clash.

Later, troops of 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) also joined the operation.

They said a militant resorted to indiscriminate firing from a house on security forces when they tried to break the siege. Security forces also retaliated and in the clash one militant was killed.

The slain militant was identified as self-styled Divisional Commander of HM Abdul Rashid Bhat alias Majid, a local resident.

One AK 47 rifle and one AK magazine were recovered from the militant.

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