Jammu / Srinagar, Jan 22: A group commander of Hizbul Mujahideen identified as Tariq Ahmad Lone alias Azhar son of Muhammad Munawwar Lone of Qadarna (Marwah) has been killed in an encounter with Kisthtwar police and 11 Rashtriya Rifles today, reports reaching Jammu said.
 “The slain militant was active since 2004 and was involved in a number of cases including killing of a National Conference leader and a surrendered militant last year,” official sources claimed.
 Meanwhile, a fierce encounter has begun between the troopers and militants at Kaimoh in the south Kashmir district of Kulgam.
 “On a tip off about militant presence at Rampur near Kaimoh, a joint operation has been launched by the police, SOG, CRPF 18 battalion and Rashtriya Rifles to flush out two militants believed to be holed up in a house,” the Station House Officer, Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf, told Greater Kashmir, adding the militants opened fire the moment troopers zeroed in.
 He said the troopers retaliated triggering an encounter. “The villagers have been moved to safer places and the troopers have closed in on the house. Militants hurled grenades on the security men and shifted to another house,” he said, adding the search operation had been suspended for the night although a generator had been energized to maintain vigil over the militants.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 IST