Indian troops on Wednesday shot dead a senior commander of the most powerful militant group fighting to join Kashmir with Pakistan, police said.

Abdul Rasheed was killed during a five-hour gun battle with soldiers and police in the southern district of Pulwama, a police statement said.

`Abdul Rasheed`s death is a blow to Hizbul Mujahedin,` it said, referring to the pro-Pakistan militant group that is spearheading an insurgency against Indian rule in the Himalayan region.

Government troops have intensified operations against militants ahead of next month`s seven-phase state elections.

Militants have routinely attacked pro-India politicians and workers in the past but declared early this year that they would not use violence against candidates and voters this time.

Separatist politicians, who have decided to boycott the polls, argue that Indian-held elections strengthen New Delhi`s hold over the region, which is divided between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.