Hizb militant killed in gunfight in Doda

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: A top Hizbul Mujahideen militant was killed by security forces while one of his accomplices escaped during an encounter in Gondana belt of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Wednesday, officials said.

The slain militant has been identified as district commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Haroon Hafaz Wani. He was an associate of Osama Javed, Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Kishtwar, who was killed at Ramban by police and security forces last year.

Senior superintendent of police Mumtaz Ahmed said, “Another militant has fled towards higher reaches and a manhunt has been launched to track him.” an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 73 rounds, a Chinese grenade and a radio set were recovered from the militant.

In a press conference on Wednesday, J&K DGP Dilbag Singh said, “Haroon had joined Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in 2018 and was operating in the Doda region along with other terrorists.” ‘He was involved in killing of BJP leader Anil Parihar and his brother in 2018, weapon snatching for the PSP of DC Kishtwar in 2019,” he said.

MILITANT ASSOCIATE NABBED FROM PULWAMA

An associate of Hizbul Mujahideen militants was arrested on Wednesday from Awantipora area of Pulwama district, police said.

He was identified as Jahangir Ahmad Parray of Gulsahanpora in Tral area of the district.“as per police records, he has been assisting the active terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen,” the spokesman said. Parray was involved in providing logistic support and assistance to militants operating in the areas of Tral, he added. “A case under relevant section was registered and further investigation is on,” he said.