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Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander threatens security forces, locals in new video

The 21-year-old, a former student of engineering in a Chandigarh college, was chosen as the new southern chief of Hizbul and given nom de guerre of Mehmood Ghaznavi, as was reported by dna on July 13.

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Burhan Wani who was killed on July 8 2016 (File Photo)
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In his first ever video address, while paying 'tributes' to Kashmiri people for their 'sacrifices', the new Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Zakir Rashid Bhat threatened security forces and locals (intending to become police officers) with death, accusing both of allegedly committing atrocities in the valley. Moreover, in what could be considered a strong message to separatist leadership in the Valley, Zakir towards the end of the video declares that this time around "We will only listen to God" and that the agitation would continue. The video, released on social media on Tuesday, also shows the 21-year-old Zakir asking people to continue their agitation that started with the killing of Burhan Wani on July 8.

"To the uniformed men I would like to say that, I know you are here to support your own families, therefore, you should not oppress people here because you will kill one and we will kill ten in retaliation," the 21-year-old is heard saying in the 8.24 minute video donning a grey color t-shirt with olive green camouflage waste-coat, in a room with with three automatic rifles, wireless set and books resting on the shelf of a background wall.

The 21-year-old, a former student of engineering in a Chandigarh college, was chosen as the new southern chief of Hizbul and given nom de guerre of Mehmood Ghaznavi, as was reported by dna on July 13. Previously believed to be someone who keeps a low profile, Zakir had appeared on a 50 second video released by the Hizbul, two weeks ago, but did not choose to speak during the recording which was taken in a forest believed to be in south Kashmir.

"We are thankful to all the Kashmiris who are risking their lives and have come in defence of the Islamic movement. It is incumbent on us that we stand with these sacrifices/keep moving in this direction and lead this new beginning to its logical end," Zakir is heard saying. Zakir goes on to talk about four chosen topics that included recruitment of Kashmiri locals to revive "Ikhwanis", panchayat elections, Burhan Wani, Indian media, security forces and the current agitation itself.

"I am neither a commander nor the chief of any outfit. I am soldier of Allah who wants to alert/forewarn you of India's nefarious designs India is conspiring by recruiting special police officers (SPOs). They are trying to revive Ikhwan in Kashmir. They want Kashmiris among themselves. Do not take part in it (recruitment drive) and those who participate will be responsible for their death". He further goes on to say the same about the panchayat elections.

While talking about Burhan Wani, Zakir goes on to speak about 'Indian media' accusing publications of "propagating Indian point of view".He goes on to say, "I have stayed in many states in India, and I believe that there is some humanity left in India. However the media projects us as terrorists who are perpetrating excesses on the local Kashmiri population. Whereas Indian forces are shown as protecting the local population. This is a lie. If we were oppressing our own people then so many of them would not have supported us,".

Towards the end of the video, in what could be considered a veiled message for separatist leadership in Kashmir, Zakir says, "We will listen to only Allah. This time there will be no deals. This time the strikes will continue and our struggle will continue till we do not get Azaadi".

Security agencies, which are already battling to maintain law and order situation in the valley, the video signals more bad news. According to a senior security official, the video messages, which are being used as a "propaganda tool" will only provoke youth in the valley to engage in street protests. More than 60 people have been killed during the ongoing crisis in Kashmir

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