J&K: Hizb-ul-Mujahideen's Kashmir chief killed in Srinagar encounter, search operation underway for trapped terrorists

The security forces and the terrorists were engaged in an encounter in Rangreth area of Srinagar district on Sunday. A terrorist named Saifullah Mir aka Ghazi Haider, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen's Kashmir chief, was killed in the gunfight.

"One militant commanders Saifullah killed, one suspected arrest in Rawalpora encounter," I G Kashmir Vijay Kumar said.

He also said that the gunfight is over. However, the search is still on for two terrorists trapped in the area.

Saifullah was also the last surviving militant from the Burhan Wani group. The 31-year-old was appointed as the new chief after Riyaz Naikoo was killed.

He was listed as A++ category terrorist by the security forces and was the most wanted in J&K. The encounter was held by a joint team of security force teams of Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF. 

A team comprising of  Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation after receiving a tip-off about presence of terrorists in the area.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.

"Encounter has started at #Srinagar. Police and CRPF are on the job. Further details shall follow." Kashmir Police tweeted.

(With IANS inputs)