Self-styled deputy chief of Hizbul-e-Islamiya, wanted in connection with the killing of an Indian Railways Construction engineer, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning, a defence spokesman said.

On specific information, security forces laid an ambush in Hasanpur village in Bijbehara area of Anantnag leading to an encounter with militants at around 7.30 am.

Abdul Sattar alias Umer, deputy chief of of the terrorist outfit and wanted in connection with the abduction and killing of IRCON enginner Sudhir Kumar Pundir and his brother on June 25, was killed in the encounter.

Describing the killing of Sattar, who hailed from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, as a major breakthrough, police said the deceased was wanted in connecton with a large number of militancy-related incidents including killings in south Kashmir.

The spokesman said an AK rifle, a pistol, two magazines and 21 rounds were recovered from him.

Elsewhere in the valley, a top counterinsurgent associated with Ikhwan group and a Lashkar-e-Tayiba militant were among three persons killed in separate incidents in Anantnag and Baramulla districts of the valley, official sources said.

The spokesman said troops of Rashtriya Rifles killed a Pakistani militant belonging to LeT Abu Musa in a gunfight during search operations at Nihalpora village of Pattan in Baramulla district of north Kashmir this morning.

An AK rifle, a wireless set and some ammunition and Indian currency were recovered from him, he said.

Militants shot dead a top Ikhwani leader Bashir Ahmad Pahloo alias band inside his house at Saderkote Payeen in Baramulla district late last night, official sources said.

Pahloo, who was presently working as an informer with Rashtriya rifles, was shot dead from point blank range, they said. He added that militants also took away his AK assault rifle.

Bullet-riddled body of one Mohammad Iqbal, a resident of Kapran, was recovered from Hakoora-Palpora in Anantnag district this morning, the sources said.

They added that the deceased was believed to have been killed by militants on the suspicion of being an informer of security forces.