Top militant among five terrorists killed in J&K

Five Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists - including one of the outfit's oldest commanders - were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir in the early hours of Thursday, officers aware of the matter said, adding that two Indian soldiers also sustained injuries during the operation.

- Mir Ehsan

Security officers said Farooq Ahmad Bhat alias Nali, the outfit's operational chief and a senior commander, was an A++ category militant. His killing will likely weaken the outfit, which was trying to revive its cadres in the south Kashmir region, they added. The four other terrorists were identified as Adil Hussain, 27, of Kandipora Kulgam, Mushtaq Ahmad Etoo, 37, of Kulgam, Mohammad Irfan, 28, and Javid Ahmad Bhat, 22, of Yaripora. A++ category militants carry a cash reward of over ₹10 lakh.