Srinagar, Apr 12: A top militant of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen, Yousuf Hajam, was killed in an encounter with security personnel in a village in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, a police spokesman said today, Hajam alias Qamar-ul-Zaman, Communication Chief and Deputy Divisional Commander of the outfit, was one of the most wanted militants in south Kashmir, he said. The militant was killed in a gunfight with a joint patrolling party of BSF and police which had laid an ambush near Shajimarg village in Yarwan forest last night following a tip off that a top militant was moving through the area, the spokesman said. On spotting a group of militants, the security personnel challenged them and an exchange of fire followed in which Hazam was killed and the rest escaped, he said.


Describing the killing as a major success, the spokesman said Hajam had been active in the area since 1990.

An AK assault rifle, three magazines, a pistol with a magazine, a wireless set and two hand grenades were recovered from the militant, he said.
The gunning down of Hajam comes close on the heels of killing of operational chief of the outfit Saif-ul-Islam on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Bureau Report