Hizbul Mujahideen chief Saifullah, who was involved in several attacks on the security forces, was killed in an encounter on the outskirts of Srinagar on Sunday, news agency PTI reported quoting police officials.
Besides, a suspect has been taken into custody and is being questioned.
“This is a huge success for the police and security forces. This is not a small achievement,” Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar told reporters at the encounter site.
Saifullah, who took charge of the outfit after the Killing of Riyaz Naikoo in May this year .was one of the most wanted militants in the Kashmir Valley, an official said.
Earlier in the day, militants opened fire on the forces while they were conducting search operations in Rangreth area near the old airfield following specific information about the presence of militants. The forces retaliated the fire which resulted in a gunbattle.
Addressing reporters near the encounter site, IGP Kumar told PTI that they had received information that Saifullah had come here from south Kashmir and was hiding in a house.
“So the security forces cordoned off the area and an operation was launched. In the exchange of firing, one militant was killed. According to our source, we are 95 per cent sure he is Dr Saifullah. We are retrieving the body and it will be identified,” Kumar was quoted as saying by PTI.
Incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, was recovered from the encounter site, he added.
Kumar further informed that the network of J-K Police has become stronger and police get information about any militant entering the city. ( Indian Express )
