The deputy chief of Zakir Musa-led Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind Shakir Hassan Dar was killed in a gunfight with the government forces in Tral region of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday.

A source said that Shakir Hassan Dar of Rathsuna area was killed in the gunfight that broke out in Hafoo Reshipora today morning.

Locals said that two residential houses, a cowshed and a bathroom were damaged in the firefight.

A police spokesman said that a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by Police and security forces early morning hours today based on a credible input about the presence of militants in Hafoo Reshipora area of Tral Township.

“As the searches were going on, the search party was fired upon by the gunmen. The fire was retaliated leading to a gunfight. 

In the ensuing encounter, one militant was killed,” he said.

Meanwhile, another cordon-and-search-operation is going on in Pinglish area of Tral.

An army patrolling party was attacked by the militants in the area last evening.

Further details are awaited.