Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Riyaz Naikoo Killed In An Encounter In Kashmir
In a major breakthrough, security forces killed Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo, along with his aide at Pulwama in South Kashmir on Wednesday.
On Tuesday after receiving a specific input security forces cordoned off a house at his native village in Beighpora. A contact was established with the hiding militants in the morning triggering an encounter that ended with the killing of Naikoo and his aide.
Mobile internet has been suspended in the valley. Naikoo active since 2012 had a bounty of 12 lakh rupees on his head.He took the reigns of Hizbul Mujahideen after the killing of Burhan Wani in July 2016.
He used social media and was instrumental in recruiting local militants. He showed up in funeral processions of militants. Out of 35 youths joining militancy this year, so far at least a dozen belong to the Hizbul Mujahideen.
