Militant killed in encounter at J&K’s Kulgam

Srinagar: A top Hizbul Mujahideen militant was killed in an encounter in South Kashmir Kulgam district, J&K Police said on Saturday.

According to the police, a gunbattle broke out in Kulgam district on Saturday afternoon after a cordon and search operation was launched by joint forces in the Ashmuji area of the district.

“During the search operation, after the presence of terrorist was ascertained, efforts were made to evacuate the civilians, and the message was passed to hiding terrorist to surrender,” a statement by Kulgam Police said in the evening. “However he refused and started firing indiscriminately upon the security forces, which was returned, leading to an encounter.”.

Police officials said that in the ensuing encounter, one militant identified as Mudasir Ahmad Wagay, and associated with Hizbul Mujahideen was killed.

“He was (A+) categorized terrorist and was presently district commander of proscribed terrorist outfit HM,” Kulgam Police said.

J&K LG should take responsibility for Hyderpora en counter: Mehbooba

Srinagar: PDP  president Mehbooba  Mufti on Saturday said  Jammu and Kashmir  Lieutenant Governor  (LG) Manoj Sinha should  take the responsibility  for the Hyderpora  encounter, in which  civilians were killed.  The former Jammu and  Kashmir chief minister  said it is the LG’s duty  to protect the lives and  properties of the people  of the Union Territory.