'Top militant' surrenders in Kashmir

Jehangir Khan was described as a district commander

By Bashir Ahmed in Srinagar

The authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir say a top militant of the Hizbul Mujahideen group has surrendered to the security forces.

But a spokesman for the Hizbul told the BBC that the surrendered man did not belong to their group.

The militant - named Jehangir Ahmad Khan - has identified himself as Hizbul's district commander, according to Indian authorities.

He reportedly surrendered to a senior officer of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Baramulla - about 55 km from summer capital, Srinagar.

A spokesperson for the Indian army says the militant admitted to having killed several security personnel, police officers and political party workers after having returned from Pakistan-administered Kashmir early last year.

Group denial

The Hizbul spokesman said the group did not have anyone by the name of Jehangir Khan serving in any district of the state.

The reported surrender comes after the Indian Government again extended its unilateral cease-fire against Muslim militants in Kashmir.

The truce - which had been due to expire on 26 February - only bars Indian forces from offensive operations against Muslim separatists.