A self-styled section commander of the Lashker-e-Toiba outfit was gunned down by security personnel in an encounter in Doda district on Saturday

A group of militants opened fire on the troops of Rashtriya Rifles, who were conducting search operations in Phulel area of the Doda district on Friday night, leading to a gunbattle in which the LeT operative was shot dead, defence sources said.

The slain militant has been identified as Tauhid Ahmed. A pistol and a grenade were recovered from him, the sources said.

Search was on for Ahmed's associates, who managed to escape, they added.