Two Jaish militants killed in encounter

In a joint operation,the Army and police claimed to have killed two top militants associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad in South Kashmirs Pulwama district. The operation was launched late last Friday night and continued for 14 hours.

Defence spokesman Lt Col J S Brar said that a joint operation was launched by 44 Rashtriya Rifles and the police following specific information about the presence of militants in Hanjan village. The militants had taken refuge in a built-up area. When the troops cordoned the area and asked the militants to surrender,they opened fire resulting in a firefight, he said.

Brar said that two militants were killed in the ensuing encounter. The slain militants have been identified as Ashan Bhai of Pakistan and Javed Negroo,a local militant, he said.

According to officials,Ashan Bhai was acting as a divisional commander of Jaish and had been active in the area for over a decade. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from their possession, said Brar.

Sources said one Army Major also sustained minor injuries in the operation.