One soldier and a Hizbul Mujahideen commander were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Pulwama on Wednesday.

“One terrorist was killed and one AK-47 rifle along with grenades, pouches and other war-like stores recovered from the encounter spot. One soldier laid down his life in the line of duty,” an Army spokesman said. A search operation was in progress, the spokesman added.

Later, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh, who identified the slain militant as Hizbul Mujahideen commander Azaad Lalhari of Pulwama, said: “Azaad Lalhari was involved in the killing of police head constable Anoop Singh on 22 May 2020 at Prichu Pulwama where he fired at a Naka party,” DGP Singh said.

The gunfight took place around 2.30 a.m. in the orchards of Kamrazipora village of Pulwama.

Militants opened fire as the security forces approached the spot, an official said.