Sabzar Bhat, successor of Burhan Wani, 7 other terrorists killed in J&K

Srinagar: Several parts of the Kashmir valley were on the boil on Saturday after security forces inflicted heavy damage on militants, killing eight of them, including Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, who had succeeded Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani following his killing last July. Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Sabzar Bhat was killed on Saturday along with another terrorist in a gunfight with security forces in Pulwama that triggered protests in the Kashmir Valley. They were holed up inside a house and opened fire at security personnel as they closed in on their hideout. The two were killed in retaliatory fire. In another incident, six militants were killed by the army when an infiltration bid was foiled in Rampur sector of the Line of Control in Baramulla district. Director General of Police (DGP), S.P. Vaid confirmed Bhat's death. Bhat alias Abu Zarar had succeeded Wani who was killed on July 8 last year in a security operation in Anantnag. Bhat carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head and was at the top of the security forces' wanted list.

J&K: Pictures after encounter in #Tral in which top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen #SabzarBhat was killed today pic.twitter.com/ngtSF9hnkF

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) May 27, 2017

Reports say there was a stone pelting incident also going on in the area. Bhat's killing in the gunfight in Saimoh village triggered widespread protests in the Valley once again, with one civilian death reported. Authorities were bracing up to prevent a recurrence of the 2016 unrest that saw nearly a 100 dead. Public transport went off the roads throughout the Valley as people rushed home in their private vehicles while others walked long distances. Schools and colleges were also shut. Over 30 people were injured in clashes at different places in the Valley. Some persons reported at hospitals with pellet gunshots, according to attending doctors. Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in parts of Srinagar city till further orders, according to authorities. Markets were shut in Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian towns immediately after news about the killing spread. Internet services have been snapped to avoid rumour mongering. Authorities had only on Friday evening lifted a ban on social media that was imposed in April. Students of a polytechnic institute and a college in Srinagar started pelting stones at police while a protest was underway in Nowhatta. Authorities are taking steps to ensure that the killing of the Hizbul commander does not flare up into any major law and order situation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will hold a high level security meeting in Srinagar to ensure that law and order is maintained and protests are contained without any civilian casualties, sources said.