Sunday, March 27 2005 13:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: In a major breakthrough, security forces shot dead two militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen, including a self-styled divisional commander of the outfit, in Jammu and Kashmir last night (Mar 26, 2005), official sources said in Srinagar today (Mar 27, 2005).

Ghulam Mohammad Malik alias Kamran, who was divisional commander cum financial chief of the Hizb, was killed during an encounter in Dardpora forests of Kupwara district last night, the sources said.

Mohammad Ashraf Padder, another top ranking commander of the Hizb, was killed in a gun battle with the security forces at Langni in Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, they said.

The killings of Malik and Padder are a double blow to the Hizb as it came only four days after another top ranking militant Ashiq Hussain Shah was eliminated by the forces in Pahalgam area of Anantnag district.

An AK rifle, two magazines, three rounds and three grenades have been recovered from the possession of the slain militants, the sources added.