Srinagar, Oct 11: A self-styled supreme commander of the Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HUJI) was among three persons killed while a National Conference leader escaped a militant attack in the Kashmir Valley since Thursday night, officials said. The HUJI commander, Azad Hussain Zargar alias Bilal Sidique, was killed in an encounter with the Border Security Force at Phrambu village in Gadool area of Kokernag in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on Friday morning, a BSF spokesman said.

He said that Bilal, a resident of Kishtwar area of Doda district, was confronted by the troops of 77 Battalion in the wee hours of Friday when shifting to his hideout. He was asked to surrender, but he opened fire and was killed in retaliatory action. An AK rifle, a wireless set and some ammunition were recovered his possession.

Describing his killing as a major breakthrough, the spokesman said that Bilal took over as supreme commander of HUJI two months back, after the killing of Rafiq Lone alias Abu Harera. Bureau Report