Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces at Khulchohar in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district early on Monday, 29 June, news agency IANS reported.
Among those killed in the encounter was Hizbul Mujahideen commander Masood Ahmed Bhat, who was the last surviving terrorist of Doda, the police said.
"With today's operation at Khull Chohar by Anantnag Police along with 19 RR, CRPF in which 2 LET terrorists including one district commander and one HM commander Masood were neutralised, Doda district in Jammu Zone becomes totally militancy free once again [sic]," the J&K Police tweeted.
Arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle and two pistols, were also recovered from the slain terrorists, the IANS report said.
The joint operation was carried out by the Anantnag Police along with the Army and the CRPF.
"Three terrorists eliminated in the ensuing gunfight. One AK-47 rifle and two pistols were recovered. Joint operation is in progress," the army had said earlier in a statement.
According to reports, the army and the police had launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. As the cordon was tightened, the hiding terrorists fired at the security forces which triggered the encounter.
Two days back, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar had said that the security forces had 'wiped out' Hizbul Mujahideen from the Tral area in Pulwama district.
(With inputs from IANS and PTI.)
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