Hizbul Mujahideen's second-in-command Sabzar Ahmed Bhat, one among the most wanted militants who is also known to be the successor of deceased militant Burhan Wani, has been killed in an encounter with security forces this morning. Two of his associates have also been neutralised in the encounter near Sabzar's house at Rathsuna in Tral of the Pulwama sector.
Sabzar was one of the most important members of the famed Burhan Wani-led militant group. The killing is seen as a major setback to Hizbul after Burhan's killing last July at Bamdooru in Anantnag along with two of his associates. Burhan's killing had then triggered the most severe uprising in Kashmir that lasted for six months without a break.
Police sources said Sabzar was trapped last night after an army patrol came under fire at Rathsuna.
The firing led to an encounter and the Hizbul No. 2, along with two other militants namely, Adil and Fiazan, were killed this morning.
Meanwhile, intense clashes broke out between security forces and protesters who were trying to break the security siege to help the militants escape during the encounter. The clashes led to injuries to a few civilians, including two with pellet hits.
As the news spread, irate mobs took to streets raising pro-freedom slogans in Pulwama, Tral and Srinagar. Students in Srinagar took to streets and raised slogans. The protests created panic across Kashmir forcing buisneses, schools and offices to close.
The fresh incidents have also led to the government suspending internet in the state. It was just yesterday that the government had lifted the month-long ban on 22 social media sites and applications in Kashmir.
