Government forces killed four suspected Islamic militants from the region's largest rebel group, including a top commander, in a gunbattle in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.
The militant group Hezb-ul-Mujahedeen has been linked to scores of bombings and attacks in the restive Himalayan region. Sajad Ahmed Bhat, the leader who was killed, was allegedly involved in the killing of eight Nepali laborers in 2006 in the region, said Kashmir Police Chief SM Sahai. Police offered no evidence linking Bhat to the killings. Indian officials routinely blame major attacks on militants whom they have captured or killed. |