Srinagar, July 23: Six militants, including a self-styled divisional commander of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) were among eight persons killed and nine injured as ultras set off two blasts and clashed with security forces at various places in Jammu and Kashmir since last night, a police spokesman said today. The divisional commander of hum identified as Israr Ahmad Khan alias Abu Ilyas, a resident of Pakistan, was killed in an encounter with troops of Rashtriya Rifles at Pantha top in Kandi area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir, the spokesman said. An AK assault rifle, three grenades and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were recovered from the killed militant, the spokesman said. Three militants were killed by the security forces in an encounter at Chitti Bakri in Rajouri district. Three AK assault rifles, eleven magazines, a wireless set and Rs 10,000 were recovered from the slain ultras, he said.

A Lashker-e-Toiba militant, Irshad Ahmad Lone of Twelwani village, was killed by security forces in an encounter at Chak Trahpoo in Achabal area of Anantnag district today, the spokesman said. He said militants abducted and later killed one Rakesh Kumar at Bhella in Thathri area of Doda district, while bullet-riddled body of a youth was recovered from Beerwah area of Badgam district today.

Bureau Report