Top commander of HUJI among 2 killed

Srinagar, Nov 9 (UNI) A self-styled Divisional commander of Harkat-ul-Jihad-Islami (HUJI), involved in a number of militancy related incidents including killing of a senior Army officer, was among two militants killed in south Kashmir today, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

They said 36 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and state Police launched a joint operation at village Lchloo Ahlan Gadole in Kokernag area of south Kashmir following a tip-off that militants were hiding there.

During the operation, an encounter took place in which two militants were killed. Two AK rifles and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

The HUJI commander was identified as Mohammad Rafiq alias Irfan who was active since 2001 in Doda and south Kashmir.

He was involved in the killing of five personnel of GREF Beacon project, including Lt Col Ajay Verma in June 2008.

Activities with the infamous Duo of Jameel Bakarwal and Sohail on either side of Kishtwar and Pir Panjal ranges had terroriSed the locals and kept security forces on their trail since the Beacon massacre in June 2008. With the elimination of these two militants The security forces have achieved a major breakthrough in the run up to forthcoming elections in the state.

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