Srinagar: Securities forces have gunned down Lashkar-e-Taiba’s top commander Abu Maaz and his aide on Wednesday in an encounter at Gopalpora Wathoora area of Chadoora in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The two militants started firing at the security forces after they launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

In the encounter, the two militants were killed and their bodies were later recovered and identified.

Security forces also recovered arms and ammunition from the militants’ hideout.

The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation in the matter.

Meanwhile, the public has been asked not to venture inside the encounter zone as there can be explosive materials in the area.

"People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any,” said the authorities.