Hizbul militant killed in encounter

JAMMU: A Hizbul Mujahideen militant was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Doda district in the wee hours today.

Acting on a tip off, Rashtriya Rifles troops and police launched a cordon and search operation in Jagote forest belt in Doda district late last night, Doda Superintendent of Police Virender Sharma said.

In the gunfight between the security forces and militants which took place in the wee hours, one of the oldest surviving Hizb militant identified as Azad Hussain Wani was killed, Sharma said.

One pistol, two magazines and some explosive material were recovered from him, he said.

Wani had joined militancy in October 1989 and was involved in killing of a carpenter, who had carved out a hideout for him in Marmat forest belt, police said.

He was also involved in extortion and threatening Gujjars in the area.