A police spokesman said troops of 44 Unit of the army and police jointly surrounded the Tharna Keller area of Shopian district following a tip-off. "During the searches, the militants opened
fired at the security forces and the encounter lead to the death of a Hizbul Mujaheedin commander identified as Tariq Hussian alias Abu Zaid," the spokesman said.
One AK-56 rifle, three magazines and 88 rounds were recovered from the possession of the slain commander. Searches were still continuing in the area, the police said.
