Burhan Wani's Successor Hizbul Mujahideen Terrorist Riyaz Naikoo Killed In Pulwama Encounter
Riyaz Naikoo a top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist was killed in an encounter in Pulwama Jammu and Kashmir. He was the de facto chief of the terror group after the death of Burhan Wani. The overnight operation started on Tuesday evening based on a tip-off in Naikoos village where he had come to visit his home. Another two terrorists have been killed in a separate encounter which began at 1215 am in Sharshali village of the districts Pampore area.
In a major victory for the Indian security forces, Riyaz Naikoo, a top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist was killed in an encounter in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Naikoo and two others were been trapped in his native Beighpora village since Tuesday night.
BCCL
Naikoo who had become the de facto chief of the terror group after the death of Burhan Wani has been elusive for years. The overnight operation started on Tuesday evening based on a tip-off in Naikoo¡¯s village where he had come to visit his home.
A police spokesperson said earlier in the morning that a top terrorist commander along with an accomplice was trapped in an encounter but did not reveal his identity. Later in the day, officials disclosed that the man in their sights was Naikoo. They had been looking for him for eight years.
In a major victory for the Indian security forces, Riyaz Naikoo, a top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist was killed in an encounter in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Naikoo and two others were been trapped in his native Beighpora village since Tuesday night.
SCREENGRAB
Naikoo who had become the de facto chief of the terror group after the death of Burhan Wani has been elusive for years. The overnight operation started on Tuesday evening based on a tip-off in Naikoo¡¯s village where he had come to visit his home.
A police spokesperson said earlier in the morning that a top terrorist commander along with an accomplice was trapped in an encounter but did not reveal his identity. Later in the day, officials disclosed that the man in their sights was Naikoo. They had been looking for him for eight years.
Naikoo was rated 'A++' category terrorist carrying a Rs 12 lakh bounty on information leading to his arrest. Before joining the militant ranks, Naikoo worked as a mathematics teacher at a local school.
FILE IMAGE
He took over the charge of Hizbul in the valley after Zakir Musa, the original successor of Wahi, switches allegiances and joined Al-Qaeda. He was killed in May 2019.
Top officials involved in the operation claim that after eliminating Naikoo, south Kashmir is almost free from terrorism.
According to sources, Riyaz Naikoo was also involved in killings of jawans and planned attack on security forces and was the successor of Zakir Musa, who was eliminated by security forces in May last year.
"He planned massive activities in Kashmir during Ramzan so that he can raise more terrorists from local villages. In a conversation, which was recorded by security forces, a terrorist had said that Naikoo will be doing some operations directly, which became first tip-off of his location," a senior intelligence officer told ANI.
ANI
According to a senior police officer of the Union Territory, Naikoo also planned anti-India campaigns after abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. "He used youths in spreading lies on social media to disturb law and order situation in the valley," the source said.
Another two terrorists have been killed in a separate encounter, which began at 12.15 am, in Sharshali village of the district's Pampore area.
Mobile internet services have been suspended in Kashmir as a precautionary measure across Kashmir.
Bobins Abraham is the Assistant News Editor at Indiatimes. He has more than twelve years of experience in TV and digital journalism. An avid student of history and geopolitics, he is a conservationist and environmentalist at heart. He writes on environment, sustainability, human-animal conflict and more.
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