Kashmir: Top Hizbul commander Manan Wani and one more terrorist was killed in a gunfight encounter with the security forces in Handwara area of North Kashmir’s frontier district Kupwara on October 11.
Police said a gunfight started around 3 am in Shatgund, Handwara, following a cordon-and-search-operation (CASO). The firing started after suspicious movement was noticed. Around 9.30 am, one of the terrorists was gunned down by the security forces.
Police said Wani was a PhD scholar, while the other terrorist, Aashiq, was a local tourist guide from Handwara. The local police in a tweet said: "Two terrorists killed. Arms and ammunition recovered. Identities yet to be ascertained."
The gunfight resumed around 10.30 am after the trapped terrorists starting firing again, the police said.
Meanwhile, the Internet services in the Kupwara district have been suspended “as a precautionary measure”. Schools and colleges have also been closed in the district and also in south Kashmir.
Police said Wani, who was enrolled as a PhD scholar with the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), joined militant ranks in January this year.
Last month, an encounter was reported from Panzan , Budgam district of South Kashmir. In an encounter at Panzan in Budgam district, security forces had "neutralised" two terrorists. The slain terrorists were identified as Sheeraz Ahmad Bhat and Irfan Ahmad Dar of terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.