PIX: Two Hizbul commanders gunned down in encounter

Two top militant commanders of the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit were gunned down by security forces in a fierce gun battle that lasted over 24 hours and ended Saturday evening in south Kashmir's Shopian district.

The militant commanders were identified by the police as Sajad Yousuf Mir, divisional commander and financial chief, and Mohammad Ashraf Rather alias Molvi district commander.  

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A police spokesman said troops of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and police jointly launched a search operation in Wandena, Zainapora village in south Kashmir Shopian district on Friday afternoon following a specific input about the presence of a group of heavily armed militants.

"The holed up militants when challenged opened fire at the surrounding security forces triggering a gunfight. One militant was killed yesterday (Friday)," the spokesman said.

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"The gunfight ended this evening leaving the two holed up commanders dead. They were involved in several militancy related incidents in south Kashmir," the spokesman added.

Two AK 47 rifles, two pistols, four grenades, one UBGL and two magazines were recovered from the encounter site.

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