Jammu: One self-styled area commander of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM) was killed in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir where militants set on fire three houses since last night (Apr 11, 2004), official sources said today (Apr 12, 2004).

On the tip off, troops launched a search operation in Gool forest area of Udhampur district last night, the sources said, adding in a fierce encounter one top militant identified as Abu Bashir, a self styled Hizbul commander, was killed.

One AK rifle, two magazines, one radio set, three grenades, one IED (Improvised explosive devices), 10 pencil bombs and a pistol were recovered from the slain militant, they said.

One militant was injured in gunbattle between police and militants in Hul area of Doda district last night, sources said, adding that encounter took place when security guards deployed at a police post foiled ultras' attack on the post.

However, the injured militant managed to escape due to darkness and search operation was on to nab him, they added.

Militants also burnt three houses in Marwah area of Doda district last night. However, there was no injury to any one in the fire.