Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants including a district commander were killed in an encounter with police and security forces in Pazalpora area of Sopore in Baramulla district today early morning.Police spokesman in a statement to KNS said that acting on a specific information about the presence of militants in Pazalpora area of Sopore, police along with 22 RR, 179, 177, 92 Bn. CRPF & North Range QRT of CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area.“During cordon and search operation militants present in the area fired upon the joint search party. Although the holed up militants were asked to surrender through loud speakers and other possible means, but they denied to surrender. The militants continuously fired upon the joint search party, which was retaliated. During the retaliation, two HM militants were killed,” the spokesman said.The spokesman said slain militants were identified as Gulzar Ahmad Lone alias Ibrahim, District commander of HM son of Ghulam Mohammad Lone resident of Gund Brath, Sopore and Basit Ahmad Mir alias Tahir son of Mohammad Ahsan Mir resident of Andergam, Pattan in Baramulla district.“Two AK 47 Rifles, five AK Magazines, 124 AK rounds, 02 Pouches and a grenade were recovered from the encounter site. Both the slain militants were involved in a number of subversive/ militancy related cases in the jurisdiction of PD Sopore. They were involved in murder case of one Aijaz Ahmad Reshi of Mundji, Sopore. They were also involved in murder case of Nazir Ahmad @Edu-l-Amin of Behrampora, Sopore,” the spokesman said, adding, that Gulzar Ahmad Lone was involved in Mobile Tower attacks and killing cases in the year 2015. “His role was instrumental in instigating and luring the youth to join the HM outfit in Sopore.” (KNS)