In a big success for the Indian troops, Saifullah, who took charge of Hizbul Mujahideen this year and was among the most wanted terrorist in the valley is shot down by the Indian troops in a gun battle.
Saifullah was involved in several attacks on the Indian security forces and was one of the most wanted terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. He had taken command of the outfit (Hizbul Mujahideen) after the killing of Riyaz Naikoo in May this year only.
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Kashmir Inspector-General of Police Vijay Kumar said “This is a huge success for the police and security forces. This is not a small achievement”.
He said they had received information that Saifullah had come to Srinagar from south Kashmir and was hiding in a house. A joint operation was launched by Police, CRPF and later Army also joined. When they reached the site, terrorists opened fire to which the forces retaliated which resulted in a gun battle.
He said that they are waiting for the family members of the Hizb chief to identify the body.
Asked whether any other terrorist was apprehended alive from the encounter site, he said a suspect has been taken into custody and is being questioned.
Vijay Kumar also said that the network of Jammu and Kashmir Police has become stronger and the police get information about any terrorists entering the city.
While talking to news agency ANI, Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Sing said “Saifullah who was the number one commander of Hizbul Mujahideen has been killed in the encounter. It was a very successful operation.”
Singh added that “over 200 terrorists have been eliminated by the Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir this year!”.
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