Srinagar: A top commander of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit was killed in an encounter with security forces in Badgam district of Central Kashmir today (Dec 31, 2003), police said.

Self-styled divisional commander of LeT Bilal Habshi, wanted in over 100 cases of killings, including those of policemen, was killed in a joint operation by police and Rashtriya Rifles at village Chewdara-Beerwah this morning, deputy inspector general of police Mohammad Amin Shah said.

The operation in the village was launched in the morning following specific information about presence Habshi in a house, the police official said.

As the search parties cordoned off the area, they came under heavy fire and the militant was killed in the ensuing gunfight, he added.

Shah said search operation in the village was still continuing and further details were awaited.

Describing the killing of Habshi as a "top success" of the year after JeM chief Gazi Baba, police said Habshi was A-grade militant carrying cash reward of Rs three lakh on his head.

He was active in Baramulla and Badgam districts for the last six years. He had stepped up his activities during the past on year, the police said, adding he was coordinating all the operations of the militant outfits including Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad in the two districts.