From correspondents in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 10:02 PM IST

A Pakistan-trained guerrilla, active in a mountainous district of Jammu and Kashmir for the last 10 years, surrendered before security forces Tuesday, the police said.

Ajaz Sheikh alias Saleem Javeed, deputy district commander of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, laid down arms in Kishtwar, about 200 km from here.

The police said the militant was hiding in Nebar village and the security forces, following a tip off, cordoned off the village, superintendent of police Haseeb Mughal said.

On establishing contact with the militant, 'he was offered to surrender, which he did without any hesitation', Mughal said.

The 36-year-old militant, according to the police, had allegedly undergone arms training in Pakistan from 1998 to 1999.

'He is involved in a number of militancy related incidents,' Mughal said.

The police official described the surrender as 'big success', as 'he is a battle hardened Pakistan trained militant'.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)