Divisional commander among 3 HM ultras killed in JK encounter

A self-styled divisional commander of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen was among three militants killed by the police in Reasi district's Mahore belt, 200 km from here today.

On a tip-off, Special Operation Group of Police assisted by Rashtriya Rifles troops launched a joint operation in Dangaltop forest belt in Pathria belt of the district and cordoned off the hideout around 0145 hours, a police officer said.

Militants hurled grenades and opened fire on the police force. In the subsequent exchange of fire, three top militants of the group were shot dead, he said.

They have been identified as divisional commander of Hizb Mustaq Ahmed alias Maqsood, code named Zeta Five, Rafeeq Ahmed, code named Abu Usman and Mohmmad Arshad alias Furkan.

The Hizb divisional commander was involved in over 30 incidents of militancy.

"His killing is a big achievement. We were tracking him for the past fortnight and achieved the goal of eliminating him on Police Day (today)," the officer said.

The recoveries from the spot of encounter included two AK rifles, 4 AK magazines, 125 rounds of ammunition, a pistol, one magazine of 180 rounds and four hand grenades.