Doda (J-K), Dec 16 : Security forces gunned down a self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen and his accomplice in Jammu and Kashmir''s Doda district last night.

Acting on a tip off, the police along with army launched a joint operation and cordoned off the dense forested area.

The slain militants have been identified as Yasir Hussain and Tariq Hussain.

"They were active since 1998-99 and they were notorious for extortion. They extorted money from local timber merchants and local constructors (builders). It is a great blow to the Hizbul Mujahideen as far as Doda district is concerned," said Colonel Biplab Nath, Public Relation Officer, Ministry of Defence. (ANI)