Jammu, Nov 03: Two top Pakistani militants belonging to Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed in a fierce gunbattle in Manjakote forest of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir where militants killed one civilian since last night, official sources said here today. Army troops launched a cordon and search operation to track down a group of LeT militants operating in Manjakote forest of Rajouri district last evening, the sources told here today.

During the operation, a fierce gunbattle took place between troops and militants and this was going on till morning, they said. In the gunbattle, two top Pak LeT militants identified as Abu Rakha and Hamza Afghani were killed, the sources said and added two AK rifles, five magazines, 130 rounds, four IEDs, seven grenades, two UBGL grenades, one rocket and one radio set were recovered from the spot.

Militants abducted one Mir Hussain from his house in Hari-Safeda area of Surankote tehsil of Poonch district yesterday, the sources said adding that he was later brutally killed. Mir was labelled as informer of security forces, the sources said and pointed out his body was recovered and handed over to his family.

Militants also set afire a house of surrendered militant, Mubarak Shah alias Bittu in Targain village of Bhudal tehsil of Rajouri district during the night, they said adding no one was killed or injured in the fire.

Bureau Report