SRINAGAR: Three militants were killed in a gunfight in Anantnag district on Monday morning, police said.
One of the slain militants has been identified as Hizbul Mujahideen commander Masood of Doda.
“With his neutralisation, Doda district in Jammu Zone has become militancy free once again as Masood was the last-surviving terrorist of Doda district,” J-K Director General of Police Dilbah Sing said.
Masood was operating in Kashmir after he joined Hizbul.
“HM commander Masood of Doda district was involved in a rape case and was since absconding. He later joined Hizbul Mujahideen and shifted his area of operation to Kashmir,” the DGP said.
The gunfight erupted at Chuhar area of Anantnag when joint teams of security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area following an input about militants’ presence.
“During the operation, a firefight ensued. Three militants were killed in the gunfight that followed,” a police official said. An AK rifle and two pistols were seized from the gunfight site.
The other two militants killed in the gunfight are believed to be associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba.
This month, security forces have killed 46 militants in the gunfights.