A top militant of Hizbul Mujahideen [Images] was on Monday gunned down in a fierce encounter in Doda district, the latest in the string of successes for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir [Images].

Mohd Hanief Bhat alias Irfan, the self-styled "deputy divisional commander" of Hizbul, was killed during the operation by army and police launched in Nandani area of Dessa belt after a tip off, official sources said.

Bhat was active in Jammu region since 1994, they said.

On October 9, Pakistani militant Zaheer Ahmad alias "Pasha", the "chief commander" of Jaish-e-Mohammad, was killed at Warpora village of Sopore.

A day later, top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Moeen was killed in an encounter in Pulwama district.