Jammu, Feb 06: Security forces today gunned down a wing commander of pro-Pakistani militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in a pre-dawn operation in Surankote forest area of Poonch district, official sources said today.

The sources said that on specific information, troops cordoned off an area in Surankote Hills in Poonch district late last night and launched a search and cordon operation there. Around 2 am today, an encounter took place between the troops and a group of militants, in which one ultra was killed on the spot, the sources said, adding that he was later identified as wing commander Zahir-ul-Islam of Pakistan.

The encounter was still on when reports last came in from the area, the sources said and added one ak-47 rifle with four magazines, one wireless set, nine grenades and two IEDs were recovered from the slain militant.
Bureau Report