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Two Hizbul Mujahideen Militants Killed in Kashmir Gunfight

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Aug 19: Two militant owing allegiance to the pro-Pakistan militant group, Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers in restive Kashmir on Wednesday.

Police said that on specific information, police and army soldiers laid siege around Chatroo area in mountainous Kishtwar area of Kashmir. "During the combing operation, the soldiers came under heavy volume of fire from the militants hiding in the area. The fire was returned by the soldiers, triggering an encounter. In the ensuing gunfight, which lasted till late evening, two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed," police said.

Without identifying the slain militants, a police officer said that one of the slain militants was top commander of the militant group. "We are ascertaining the identity of the slain militants," he said, adding, "Some arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site".

The police officer said that the combing and search operation in the area was going on.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.