Top militant killed in gun battle in Indian Kashmir

Top militant killed in gun battle in Indian Kashmir

2011-10-09 06:44:15 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI (BNO NEWS) -- A top militant was killed on Saturday in a gun battle with security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir, local media reported.

Azad Hussain Wani, from one of the biggest rebel groups in the region, Hizbul Mujahideen, was gunned down in the region's Doda district after security forces launched a search operation following a tip off. Doda Superintendent of Police Virender Sharma said one pistol, two magazines and some explosive material were recovered from the dead militant, the Press Trust of India reported.

Wani, one of the oldest surviving Hizb militants, joined militancy in October 1989 and was involved in several civilian killings and extortion.

A guerrilla war has been going on in India-administered Kashmir between militants and the Indian troops. Militant groups are usually blamed for attacks, while soldiers have been accused of rights abuses.

The Indian government says more than 45,000 people - including civilians, militants and troops - have died in the region over the past two decades.

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