Jammu: A self-styled area commander of Harkat-ul-Jehadi-Islami was killed in an encounter in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir where troops busted three militant hideouts since last night (Feb 20, 2004), official sources said today (Feb 21, 2004).

Acting on an intelligence input about the presence of militants, security forces launched a search operation in Kishtwar area of Doda district and asked ultras to come out after zeroing in on a hideout, sources said.

Militants opened fire on the troops who retaliated and in the ensuing gunbattle one top militant was killed while others managed to escape, sources said.

The slain militant was identified as Gulam Mohmmad of village Pasarkut in Doda was a self styled-area commander of Huji in Kishtwar area. Gulam, a Pak-trained militant was active for last five years and was instrumental in two massacres and several attacks on security forces.

Meanwhile the troops busted a hideout in Mendhar area of Poonch district early today and recovered six hand grenades and huge quantity of ration and edible items, they said.

One more hideout was busted in Thanamandi forest of Rajouri district by troops last night and mortar shells, 500 rounds of AK rifles and huge ration was recovered, they said.

Another hideout was busted in Manuwali area of Poonch district early today and six hand grenades, two plastic explosives, 35 kg atta, 12 kg maize, seven kg rice, seven kg mustard oil, 10 kg onion, four kg sugar, 10 blankets, 40 litres of kerosene oil, stoves and other items were recovered, they added.