Srinagar, Jan 20

 A guerrilla of the separatist Hizbul Mujahideen was killed Monday in a gunfight with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said.

The militant was killed in a gunfight with Kulgam police and security forces at Shampora, Qazigund Monday, a senior police officer said here.

The exchange of fire ensued when the militant opened fire on a joint party of police and counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles who had launched a cordon and search operation on specific information, he added.

"During the search, the militant fired upon the search party triggering a gunfight in which he was killed. The slain militant was identified as Javid Ahmad Mir alias Salfi, son of Mohammad Maqbool Mir, resident of Bulbul Nowgam Anantnag," said the officer.

He said Mir had joined Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in 1998 and was arrested in 2003 but after being released, again joined the outfit.

"In 2009 he was again arrested, but again after his release, he recycled back to militancy and was involved in the an attack on a policeman at Janglat Mandi, Anantnag on Nov 15, 2013 in which the service weapon was snatched from the policeman after shooting him," the officer said.

Senior police, paramilitary and counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR) officers had rushed to the spot to supervise the operation and to ensure that no damage is caused to civilian life and property in the area.

By:IANS