"In yet another jolt to pro-Pakistan Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) outfit in Jammu and Kashmir, its five terrorists, including four top commanders, were killed by the police and army in Doda and Reasi districts on Wednesday," official sources said.
"Four militants, including three commanders, were killed in an operation launched Wednesday morning by the police and 59 Rashtriya Rifles in Gulabgarh area of Reasi district," Deputy Inspector General of Police (Reasi-Udhampur) Alok Puri said.
The killed militants were identified as Mohmmad Shafi alias Gazi alias Badshah Khan, a 'district commander', Mohmmad Rafeeq alias Basharat, a 'section commander', Talib Hussain alias Bakararwal, a 'battalion commander' and Mansoor Hussain.
"Two AK rifles, one pistol, one UBGL, four magazines, three RPG rounds, six grenades and a radio set were recovered from the site of the shootout," the DIG said.
It may be recalled that two top commanders Shameem Thool and Haq Nawaz were killed in Doda and Kishtwar districts on Tuesday.
"With Wednesday encounter, a total of 18 top commanders have been eliminated since January this year. With these setbacks, the Hizbul has almost been wiped out from Reasi district," the DIG said.
"In another encounter in Gandoh Tehsil in Doda district, a self-styled area commander of the Hizbul, Javed Iqbal alias Javed Jatt code captain Mansoor and an 'A' category militant, was gunned down," sources said.
{{/usCountry}}"In another encounter in Gandoh Tehsil in Doda district, a self-styled area commander of the Hizbul, Javed Iqbal alias Javed Jatt code captain Mansoor and an 'A' category militant, was gunned down," sources said.
{{/usCountry}}An AK rifle, one magazine, mobile phone and a wireless set was recovered from the spot.