A top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant was killed in an overnight encounter in Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said Wednesday.
The encounter broke out in Laribal village of Zachaldara, 100 kms from here, in Kupwara district in the north Indian state Jammu and Kashmir, Tuesday night after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area, they said.
According to intelligence inputs, two militants were hiding in a house in the village. When the gunfight between the ultras and security personnel broke out, the house in which the militants were hiding caught fire, the officials said.
Although the identity of the slain ultra remains unknown as his body has been charred in the fire, the officials said he is believed to be Fahadullah, a top LeT militant hailing from Pakistan.
"So far body of a militant has been recovered while search of debris is going on for the other militant," they said.
An AK rifle, two magazines and some communication equipment have been recovered from the site of encounter, the officials said.