Srinagar: A self-styled supreme commander of Harkat-ul-jehad-e-islami (HUJI) was
among three persons killed while a National Conference (NC) leader escaped a
militant attack in Kashmir Valley since October 11 night, officials said.
The HUJI commander, Azad Hussain Zargar alias Bilal Sidique was killed in an
encounter with Border Security Force (BSF) at Phrambu village in Gadool area of
Kokernag in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on October 11 morning, a BSF
spokesman said.
He said that Bilal, a resident of Kishtwar area of Doda district, was confronted by
the troops of 77 battalion in the wee hours of October 11 when shifting to his
hideout. He was asked to surrender, but he opened fire and was killed in retaliatory
action. An AK-47 rifle, a wireless set and some ammunition were recovered his
possession.
Describing his killing as a major breakthrough, the spokesman said that Bilal took
over as supreme commander of HUJI two months back, after the killing of Rafiq Lone
alias Abu Harera.
A Pakistan-trained militant active for the last 10 years in Doda and Anantnag
districts, Bilal was involved in large number of militancy-related incidents
including killings of civilians and security men.
Another militant, Mohammad Sofi, was killed by the security forces in a gunfight at
Garihar forest in Kupwara district on October 10 night. An AK rifle, two magazines
and a wireless set were recovered from him.
PTI
