'Militant' surrenders in Kashmir

Indian soldiers have fought militants in Kashmir since 1989

The Indian army says a senior Kashmiri militant leader from Pakistan has crossed over the border, to surrender to the Indian authorities.

Militant leader Mohammad Ayub belonged to the Hijbul Mujahideen group, army spokesman Col DK Badola said.

He said Mohammad Ayub had surrendered to the Indian army at its Bahadur Post in the mountainous Poonch district of Indian-administered Kashmir.

India accuses Pakistan of training militants, which Islamabad denies.

The army said the militant leader qualified for rehabilitation under a policy announced by the Indian government.

They said he would also be provided with free vocational training for self-employment.