Top militant drowns while escaping forces

Lashkar chief for Jammu,Rajouri and Poonch districts,Abu Huzefa alias H2,along with his deputy,Abu Abdullah alias Saifullah alias Usman Bhai,have drowned in Suran river in border Poonch district,an Army spokesman said Friday.

Both the militants were crossing a stream in upper reaches of Poonch a few days ago to escape from security forces and state police who had been combing the forests in rugged mountain areas. The combing operation was launched following a specific tip-off.

The security forces and police came to know about their drowning when they intercepted a message conveyed by other militants to their commanders across the Line of Control. The security forces launched searches and finally fished out the body of Abu Huzefa from Suran river near Buffliaz. The body of the other militant is yet to be recovered.