Abid, code-named as Harish, belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit, a defence spokesman here said adding he was shot dead by RR jawans at Ganika village, about 10 km from Doda town.

The militants headed by Abid had killed 27 members of two wedding parties at Chapnari, besides eight people each at Sarawan and Chhana-Thackrai areas in the district. The troops have already killed two militants involved in the Chapnari massacre.

The spokesman said RR, on specific information, had launched an operation to nab the militants hiding in Ganika village. However, militants opened fire on search parties, who retaliated killing Abid on-the-spot.

A pistol along with two magazines and one grenade were seized from his possession. However, his other accomplices managed to escape under the cover of darkness. The combingoperation was going on in the area to flush out absconding militants.

Meanwhile, RR and SOG of State Police, in a joint operation, arrested two Pak-trained militants from Khera village, about 15 km from Thathri in the district. They have been identified as Mohammad Ishaq Bhat alias Abu Harara of Bathri and Abdul Majid alias Abu Hamaza of Durgunadaa.

Pointing out that both belonged to Harkat-ul-Jehad Islami, sources said the former was tehsil commander of Gandoh area. One AK rifle along with four magazines, an SLR and three magazines were seized from them.

The militants, however, opened fire at Lehosot, Gauda and Sotha villages in the district last night. The Village Defence Committee members retaliated at all the places, forcing the militants to flee and there was no loss of life or injury on the side of the VDC members.