Incidents and Statements involving Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: 2017

Date

Nature of incident

Awantipora in Pulwama District

The three militants killed in the overnight gun battle with SFs in Anantnag District of J&K on January 16, were affiliated with HM and were identified as Abid Sheikh, son of Farooq Sheikh, resident of Satkipora Srigufwara, Maqsood Ahmad Sheikh alias Masoom, son of Ghulam Nabi, resident of Bewoora Srigufwara, and Adil Reshi, son of Mushtaq Ahmad, resident of Iqbal Mohalla in Bijbehara. Three AK-47 rifles, 9 magazines, 80 rounds and 3 pouches were recovered from the encounter site. Police said that Adil Reshi was involved in number of incidents. Adil along with Amir Nabi alias Ibn Qasim was involved in attack on SDPO Bijbehara and his PSO on 24th of December 2015. The 1-Sector Commander of RR Brigadier R Chakraborty stated, "It is a major success as their moving freely and preparing a video, in which they were playing with snow, appeared that they were challenging us." The Commander urged the rest of the militants of the group to join mainstream. "I urge rest of the three militants to surrender and join mainstream", he said. He further said that they were all A category militants with one each being A++ and A+. "They are part of a six member militant group that recently appeared in a video playing in snow. We ensured that there is no collateral damage during the encounter", he added.

SFs arrested Arzoo Bashir, a militant of HM, from Tral area in Pulwama District. Sources said that the SFs conducted an operation in Tral area during which they arrested the HM militant who was active in the area and one pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition were recovered from his possession.

Ganderbal District

Two top militants of the LeT outfit were killed in a gun battle on the outskirts of Srinagar in Ganderbal District. Following a tip off about the presence of militants in Hadoora, Shuhama area in Ganderbal District, Police from Srinagar and Ganderbal along with 5-RR and CRPF cordoned off the area and launched the search operation. "The hiding militants opened fire on joint search party which was retaliated, triggering an encounter during which two militants of LeT were killed. Two AK-47 rifles, one grenade, six magazines and 180 rounds of AK ammunition were recovered from the encounter site", SSP, Ganderbal, Imtiaz Ismail Parray, said. The two LeT militants have been identified as Qari Hanzullah and Anas Bilal and both of them were residents of Pakistan. They were associates of top LeT 'commander' Abu Hurraira who is operating from Dachigam area in the outskirts of Srinagar for last several years. They were operating in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts since January 22, 2013 and had recently started coordinating with HM.

Baramulla District

Police and SFs thwarted a major terrorist action by killing two HM militants in an encounter in Sopore area in Baramulla District. SFs launched an operation in Amargarh area in Sopore following information about presence of militants in the area. When challenged, the militants lobbed a grenade and fired upon the Police party in which SP operation Baramulla, Shafqat Hussain and SI, Mohammad Murtaza were injured. Two AK series rifles, one pistol, four hand grenades and other arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. The two militants have been identified as Azhar Khan of Kupwara and Sajjad Ahmed Lone, a resident of Eidipora Bomai in Sopore. Sajjad had gone to Pakistan in March 2016 via Wagah border.

Sub-Judge/Judicial Magistrate first Class, Rajesh Kumar ID Abrol of Chadoora in Budgam District, denied bail to two militants of HM outfit. According to the prosecution case, the militants identified as Younis Bashir of Checkpora and Adil Ahmed of Lasjan were arrested under Sections 419, 506, 387, 511 and 120B RPC at Nowgam Police Station on the basis of the complaint filed by Mohammad Amin Bhat of Checkpora. These militants were demanding INR 500,000 from the complainant for HM outfit with the warning that he and his family will face the consequences of death if the complainant failed to follow their directive.

Eight persons including four militants, two Army personnel and equal number of civilians were killed and around 24 civilians were injured in an encounter followed by clashes in Kulgam District. Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Nagbal, Frisal area of the District, Kulgam Police along with 1-RR and 18th Battalion of CRPF cordoned off the suspected house and started the search operation, Police said. The four militants killed in the encounter were identified as Farooq Ahmad Bhat of Checki Dessand, Mohammad Younis Lone of Hawoora, both were HM militants and Mudisir Ahmad Tantary alias Assim of Redwani Kulgam and Wakeel Ahmad Thoker of Hadigam, both were LeT militants. Two AK rifles, two pistols, one INSAS rifle and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site. Further, people in the area came out in street as the encounter was in progress and pelted stones on SFs near the encounter site. The SFs fired teargas and pellets in which around two dozen persons were injured, out of which one Mushtaq Ibrahim Itoo succumbed to his injuries.

A militant was arrested in a joint operation by Police, Army and CRPF in Srinagar. The militant was identified as Irshad Ahmad Bhat of Wailoo, Pattan in North Kashmir. "The accused offender Irshad has been an active militant of HM terrorist outfit who had joined militant ranks after killing of his militant father Fayaz Ahmad Bhat in inter gang rivalry in year 2015", SSP Baramulla, Imtiaz Hussain, said. One AK series rifle, 2 AK magazines, one Chinese pistol, one pistol magazine, four hand grenades and other ammunition were recovered from the possession of the militant.

SFs arrested a HM militant, identified as Hilal Ahmad Bhat from Dahwatoo in Awantipora area in Pulwama District. Two Chinese grenades, one camouflage uniform, one knife and some other incriminating material were also recovered from Bhat's possession, said Police. Bhat had joined the HM ranks recently, the official said adding a case under relevant sections of the RPC have been registered against him.

At least two militants, identified as Aqib Molvi of Tral and Umar of Pakistan and one J&K Police constable, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Naik of Uri were killed while an Army major and four CRPF personnel were injured during an encounter between SFs and militants which started on March 4 evening in Shikargah in Tral in Pulwama District. According to reports, the house where the militants were hiding has been demolished by the SFs. The identity of the militants hasn't been revealed yet. However, at least two HM terrorists, including the right hand man of slain Hizbul 'commander' Burhan Wani, Sabzar Bhat, were believed to be trapped in the encounter, sources said.

The J&K Police busted a HM module by arresting its three suspected members, identified as Reyaz Ahmad Wani, Ikhlaq Ahmad Khanday and Tawseeul-Nabi in Bemina area of Srinagar District. The Police recovered two pistols, two pistol Magazines, 20 rounds, four grenades, one wireless set and a packet of explosive substance from the militants. During preliminary investigation the trio said they were working with Jehangir, an active militant in Kishtwar, the Police said.

A HM militant, identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Seergojri was killed and an Army major injured in a shootout near Police Station in Bandipora in Bandipora District in the evening. A joint team of Army and SOG of J&K Police had laid a naka following specific inputs about the movement of militants. A militant who was travelling in a vehicle opened fire on Army in which Army Major was injured. In the retaliatory fire, the militant was gunned down. One pistol and a grenade were recovered from his possession.

NS

HM militant Zakir Rashid Bhat, who took over from Burhan Wani who was killed in an encounter July 2016, has urged Kashmiri Muslim youths to pelt stones at SFs in the name of Islam, rubbishing Hurriyat's claim that the militant movement was "secular" or for "freedom" and Kashmiri "nationalism". In a 12-minute video, circulated widely on social media, Zakir Rashid Bhat, alias Zakir Musa, is seen preaching violence in the name of Islam. The terror outfit also separately directed voters to boycott the upcoming by-polls for two parliamentary seats and panchayat polls in the Valley. "When you pelt stones, don't think you're helping just one Musa or one mujahideen. You must do it to help and protect Islam," Musa said. "We'll hoist Islam's flag in our Kashmir one day," he proclaimed. Wearing an Afghan cap, a beige coat over a brown sweater, Musa appeared to be imitating Wani's strategy of using Islamic State (IS)-style videos and social media propaganda to lure youth into militancy. Calling Kashmiri informers and J&K Police "kafir" (infidel), Musa said both deserve to be killed. "We're fighting for Islam. We want to be martyrs for our Islam."

Reasi District

A HM militant wanted for arson and looting last year, identified as Sabzar Ahmed Mantoo, was arrested from a house in Thakrakot area in Reasi District. According to Police, the captured militant was associated with HM outfit and had been involved in arson and looting incident under Police Station DH Pora in 2016.

Jammu and Kashmir

Terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir has declined in the aftermath of surgical strikes executed by the Army in September 2016, the Union Government said in Parliament. According to statistics furnished by the Government in reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, terrorist incidents fell to 87 between October 1 and December 31, 2016, from 110 between July 1 and September 30, 2016. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told the House that 34 SFs were killed in the three months prior to the surgical strikes, while 19 died in the subsequent quarter. Civilian killings also fell from 7 to 6 in the corresponding period. According to sources, the fall in number of terrorist incidents is largely on account of weakening of violent protests that broke out after HM 'commander' Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter in July. Law and order disturbances peaked in the Valley state between July and September 2016, but violence witnessed a sharp decline thereafter as the protests died down and normalcy returned to the State.

Pulwama District

Two militants of the HM were killed in an encounter with SFs in Awantipora area of Pulwama District, after they fired at the vehicle of a Police officer. A Police officer said that ASP Pulwama, Chandan Kohli, was on his way from Pulwama to Anantnag in a car along with two PSOs when a group of militants coming from opposite directions in another car fired at the bullet proof vehicle of the ASP near Padgampora village leading to an exchange of fire in which two militants were killed on the spot while two of the militants fled from the spot leaving behind the car. The slain militants have been identified as Shahbaz Shafi Wani alias Rayees Kachroo, resident of Beloo Rajpora of Pulwama and Farooq Ahmad Hurrah, resident of Nazneenpora of Shopian. "Both of them belonged to Hizb ul Mujahideen. The dead bodies have been handed over to the legal heirs for last rites", the Police officer said. One AK rifle, one SLR, one AK magazine, 2 SLR Magazines, 2 pouches and a grenade was recovered from the spot. The car in which militants were travelling was also seized by the Police. IGP Kashmir, SMJ Gillani said, "An AK-47 rifle and one SLR were recovered from them. Interestingly, the SLR weapon was snatched from a minority picket in the month of October".

SFs busted a HM militant module in Kulgam District, and arrested eight of its members who were tasked to carry out attacks on SFs and snatch weapons. SP of Kulgam, Shridhar Patil, said that the District Police and Army received a specific intelligence input on March 21 that HM militant has constituted a module of about a dozen OGWs to carry out attacks on SFs, Police personnel and snatch weapons. Patil said that the module was formed by district 'commander' of the outfit Altaf Dar alias Al-Kachroo and Towseef Sheikh alias Mossad. "We registered a case on the basis of this information and during the investigations, it came to the fore that Zubar Ahmad Badar, a resident of Nai-Basti in Qoimoh area of the district was the main king-pin of this module and he was subsequently arrested along with one of his associates", he said. The SP said that during further course of questioning, it became evident that leader of this module and other members were having large quantity of arms/ammunition for conduct of subversive activities.

A HM militant was killed and a Para-commando was injured in a fierce gun battle in Chadoora area of Budgam District. A joint team of the Army, Police and CRPF surrounded a house at Zuin village in central Kashmir's Budgam in which the HM terrorist was hiding. Civilian protesters soon gathered at the spot and began pelting the forces with stones, injuring more than 60 Police and CRPF personnel along with four soldiers, Army spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said. The Army had to fire at the protesters, killing three of them, before the eight-hour-long operation ended with the terrorist, as Tauseef Ahmad Wagay of Kanjijulla village of Yaripora in Kulgam District, being gunned down. Sources said that one militant managed to escape during massive stone-pelting.

A top HM 'commander', identified as Amir Nabi Wagay, surrendered before SFs in Anantnag District. A Police official said that Amir was suffering from kidney failure and doctors had advised him dialyses. He said that he was involved in the grenade throwing incidents in South Kashmir and various other militant activities. He had joined militancy on August 16, 2014 and was active since then. His surrender was facilitated by the CIK, Police said. However, sources said that in the official records he has been shown arrested by the SOG of JKP and 1-RR from whose operational area he was hailing from.

Three Army personnel were injured, as militants attacked an Army convoy heading towards Baramulla, on Srinagar-Bemina Bypass in Srinagar District. Terrorist group HM has claimed responsibility for the attack.

SFs arrested two new militant recruits of HM from Sopore area in Baramulla District. Acting on specific information about the presence of HM militants in an orchard near Achabal village of Sopore, the Police along with Army and CRPF cordoned off the orchard and launched search operation, a Police official said. The newly recruited militants were identified as Yawar Nabi Mir and Arsalan Rasool Teli - both hailing from Sheikh Sahib Locality of Chinkipora area of Sopore.

A communiqué, issued by the Police top brass has asked Police heads to brief their personnel regarding "the impending threat to ensure life and property of police personnel is well secured". According to the communiqué that was accessed by the newspaper, it has directed policemen "to exercise extreme caution while visiting their homes. Policemen should preferably avoid visiting their homes for the next few months as their security is of paramount importance," it read. Police sources said two top commanders of the Hizb- ul- Mujahideen (HM) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) held a meeting in Pulwama's Koil recently to finalise their new strategy "to go after the local policemen". According to Police investigations, handlers across the Line of Control have given their nod to start 'Operation Tiger' focusing on attacks on Policemen. Militants have already heightened activities against Policemen.

Three major militant groups are operating together in Kashmir. A video, being circulated on social media, purportedly showed 30 militants of the HM, LeT and JeM together in south Kashmir. The armed militants of the three outfits were reportedly marching in front of the camera in the 45-second video shot in a forested area. "Militants from HM, LeT and JeM… are operating jointly. This trend started last year after the July unrest. Before that, they had different areas of operation," an unnamed senior security officer from Kashmir said.

Five Policemen including an ASI and two Bank security guards were killed when militants attacked a J&K Bank van in Kulgam District. According to reports, the J&K Bank mobile van carrying cash in the Kulgam District was attacked by militants near Bombay village of the District. Terrorists decamped with four INSAS and one AK 47 rifle.

HM claimed the responsibility for the attack. However, it said that they killed five Policemen and not bank guards. "They were killed by CRPF men," it claimed and said that the attack was not aimed at looting cash.

A civilian was killed and two Army personnel were injured as militants ambushed an Army patrol party in Imam Saheb area of Shopian District while SFs conducted a massive operation against militants in the area. A civilian driver, identified as Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, who was driving the cab in which Army was returning after search and cordon operation, was killed in the ambush and two Army men were injured. HM claimed the responsibility of the attack on Army.

J&K Police announced a cash reward of INR 10 lakh on the head of Umer Majid, a suspected HM militant responsible for killing seven persons including five Policemen at Kulgam earlier this week.

Army along with SoG of J&K Police busted a HM module of three of its OGWs, who were involved in number of militancy activities and planning to snatch weapon from SFs and luring youth into militancy. The members of the module, Akeel Ahmad Malla, Asif Abdullah Wagay and Amir Hussain Ganie were arrested from Shopian District.

A video showing two youths being tortured and their hair being shaved by HM terrorists went viral across Kashmir valley. The two youths were tortured and humiliated by HM terrorists after being branded as Police informers in the video.

Five persons including three civilians, a Policeman and a militant were killed in a militant attack in Kulgam District. Militants, travelling in a car, opened fire on a police party which had gone to Mir Bazaar area to investigate a road accident. Police also retaliated killing one of militants and injuring another who has, however, escaped. A grenade and ammunition rounds were recovered during frisking of one of the dead persons who is a militant.

The militant who was killed on May 6 night by Police during an attack on them at NH in Kulgam was wanted by NIA for his role in 2015 Fidayeen attack on a BSF convoy at Udhampur. The HM militant, identified as Fayaz Ahmad Ishwar alias Setha was killed in retaliatory fire by police after a group of militants attacked them on May 6. Police said that the killed militant was active from last two years and was involved in many subversive activities.

Four LeT terrorists fired volleys from their automatic rifles into the air to pay "respect" to slain militant Fayaz Ahmed Ashwar, from Reshipora in Kulgam District of south Kashmir, during his funeral. It's rare for terrorists to be present for the funeral of their dead cohorts, and rarer for them to expose themselves by publicly displaying such support. Eyewitnesses said four armed militants appeared in the crowd who came to "pay" respect to slain HM militant Fayaz Ahmed Ashwar. "They fired a volley of bullets in the air and raised pro-azadi slogans," sources said.

Shopian & Kulgam Districts

A young army officer was abducted in South Kashmir by suspected militants from a wedding last night (May 9) and his bullet-riddled body was found early morning today (May 10) in Herman area of Shopian District. According to J& Police, Umar Fayyaz, a Lieutenant rank Army officer, was kidnapped around 10 pm by terrorists when he went to attend his cousin's wedding at south Kashmir's Kulgam District. Later, on May 10, his body was found in Shopian District with bullets in his head and abdomen.

Kulgam District

SFs have identified three militants of HM, who, they believed, abducted and killed the Indian Army officer in Kulgam District. The HM trio was identified as Abbas Bhat of Materbugh, Gayasul Islam of Chekchalun and Ashfaq Ahmad Thokar of Paderpora.

Shopian District

J&K Police released posters of three HM terrorists wanted for the killing of Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz and pasted these at several places in Shopian town of south Kashmir, offering a reward to anyone who could provide information about them. The Police identified the three as Ishfaq Ahmad Thoker (24) and Gayas-ul-Islam, residents of Padderpora, and Abass Ahmad Bhat (26) of Mantribugh.

J&K

An audio slideshow in which HM militant 'commander' Zakir Moosa is purportedly speaking about establishing an Islamic caliphate in Kashmir has gone viral in the Valley. The 5.40-minute long clip also warns separatist leaders of Kashmir not to meddle in the move to set up a caliphate in Jammu and Kashmir along the lines of the rule established by the Islamic State (ISIS) in parts of Syria and Iraq.

J&K

The rising dissonance between Kashmiri separatists and terrorists based in the Valley on the one hand and Pakistan-based terrorist commanders and cadres in Kashmir on the other has led Indian agencies to suspect that terror masterminds across the border may be covertly planning a new terrorist organisation in J&K, with focus on ex-HM 'commander' Zakir Musa.

According to intelligence sources, multiple statements over the past two weeks by Musa, the self-styled successor of slain HM leader Burhan Wani, LeT, Kashmiri separatists and United Jehad Council chief Syed Salahuddin, coupled with images, videos and audio clips circulated on social media, point to "a widening conflict between key stakeholders of violence in the Valley". Intelligence sources said Pakistan may be attempting a repeat of its Kashmir strategy of the 1990s, when the only terror organisation - the JKLF - was supplanted and eventually replaced by many new outfits by 1993-94.

A Police constable, who took away four service rifles from a Police post in Budgam District of Kashmir, has reportedly joined terrorist outfit HM. Constable Syed Naveed Mushtaq had fled with four INSAS rifles from the guard post at a FCI godown in Chandpora in Budgam on May 20, a Police official said. He said there were intelligence inputs suggesting that Mushtaq had joined the terrorist group.

According to intelligence agencies, top leaders of the HM are trying a patch-up with their former 'Kashmir commander' Zakir Rashid Bhat who severed ties with the militant group a few days ago. Bhat, better known by his alias Musa, released audio messages 10 days ago announcing his exit after the leadership criticised him for threatening to behead Hurriyat leaders for saying the "separatist movement" in the Valley was political and not religious in nature. The Kashmiri militant group is yet to name his successor. Jammu and Kashmir's Intelligence agencies see the delay as a sign of his subordinates' reluctance to take Bhat's position, which would amount to picking sides in a feud between their former commander and senior leadership. Sources in intelligence say Bhat's departure was not because of ideological differences, as claimed by him. He and the Pakistan-based leadership didn't agree on the group's activities in the Valley.

SFs, in an encounter, killed HM 'commander', Sabzar Ahmad Bhat and his aide Faizan Muzaffar in Soimoh village of Tral in Pulwama District. One civilian was also killed in the cross firing. The militants were trapped in the village after SFs cordoned it off last evening (May 26). The militants during the cordon and searches tried to flee but SFs fired back and they were trapped in a house. The operation was put on hold during the night and the SFs launched massive assault in the morning killing both the militants. Two residential houses in which the two militants were trapped were damaged in the encounter. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the encounter site. Police said a civilian, identified as Aqib Ahmad Dar died in cross firing near the encounter site. "During the cross firing one more person was injured. He was rushed to the Tral hospital where he succumbed to his injuries," Police said.

A day after the killing of Sabzar Ahmed Bhat, HM identified Riyaz Naikoo, at 29 the oldest surviving terrorist of the outfit, as its new 'commander' in Kashmir, sources said. Tech-savvy Naikoo is considered a moderate among the hardline HM terrorists, and speaks contrary to the deposed HM commander Zakir Musa. He favours a secular society in the valley. A few months ago, Naikoo had invited Kashmiri Pandits to return to the valley. Intelligence sources said HM is likely to nominate Naikoo as its new chief to counter the narrative of deposed 'commander' Zakir Musa that terrorists in Kashmir were fighting for an Islamic Caliphate and imposition of Shariat. Pakistan-based HM leadership, according to intelligence agencies, is under tremendous pressure from ISI after deposed HM 'commander' Zakir Musa last week spoke about establishing a Caliphate in the Valley, besides threatening separatists against terming Kashmir's struggle as political fight. "By appointing moderate Naikoo as new chief, HM may overshadow Zakir, who gained prominence among hardliners in Kashmir due to ISIS ideology. Also, HM would prove to the world that it was not fighting for Islamic rule in Kashmir," an intelligence source said.

J&K

The Army released a list of the 12 most dreaded terrorists in J&K. SFs are searching for these terrorists, army sources said. Among the most prominent names in the list are Reyaz Naikoo alias Zubair and Zakir Rashid Bhat alias Musa. Naikoo is a resident of Tokun, Awantipore, and is likely to be the next HM 'commander' in Kashmir after the death of Sabzar. He is known to be tech savvy and active on social media like his predecessor, Burhan Wani. On the other hand, Musa, was Wani's successor after the latter's killing by SFs on July 8, 2016. Earlier this month, Musa had released a video in which he threatened to behead the separatists if they created hurdles in establishing Sharia in Kashmir. For this the HM snubbed Musa, who later announced to part ways with the group.

Awantipora / Pulwama District

A HM militant, identified as Suhaib Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chursoo Awantipora in Pulwama District, was arrested by SFs from Manigam area of Qazigund in Anantnag District. One pistol, one pistol magazine and eight pistol rounds were recovered from his possession.

Qazigund area / Anantnag District

Two Army jawans were killed and four others injured as militants attacked an Army convoy near Toll Post Lower Munda on Srinagar-Jammu NH in Qazigund area of Anantnag District. The firing by militants left six jawans injured out of which two critically wounded soldiers succumbed to their injuries. They have been identified as Manivang and Deepak Methi. HM has claimed responsibility for the attack on Army convoy that left two jawans martyred. "A Hizb squad carried out the attack. We congratulate it for the successful attack," Hizb operational spokesman Burhan-ud-din was quoted as saying by a Kashmir-based news agency.

Shopian District

A civilian, identified as Adil Farooq was killed during clashes in Shopian District after SFs trapped two militants of HM in the evening. SFs cordoned off Ganowpora village in Shopian District in the evening after reports of two militants of HM - Naveed and Zahid - were hiding in a house. As the SFs cordoned the village, SFs fired few probing shots. The residents of the area immediately came out and pelted stones on the SFs, who were conducting the operation. Adil Farooq was hit by a bullet and was removed to hospital for treatment. He, however, succumbed to injuries.

Kupwara District

A HM militant, who was seen in a video taken during the funeral of outfit 'commander' Sabzar Bhat last week, surrendered before authorities in Kashmir, Police said. Investigations revealed that he was Danish Ahmed, a resident of Handwara in the Kupwara District studying at the Doon P G College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Dehradun. "A few days back, video clips of an unidentified terrorist wearing a battle pouch with a grenade were in circulation on social media. "These video clips were clicked in Tral area by local media persons during the funeral of self-style terrorist commander Sabzar Bhat," a Police spokesperson said.

Tral / Pulwama District

Two CRPF troopers were injured as militants fired a grenade from UBGL towards 180th Battalion of CRPF camp at Tral in Pulwama District in the night. The grenade exploded near the gate of the camp injuring two CRPF men. Police and Army immediately reached the spot and joined CRPF to conduct searches in the nearby locality but militants had managed to flee under the cover of darkness. Later, HM has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Handwara in Kupwara District & Awantipora in Pulwama District

SFs busted a HM module by arresting two militants and two OGWs and recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition from their possession in Jammu and Kashmir. On specific information regarding movement of militants, a joint Naka of Handwara Police and RR was laid at Chogal, Handwara in Kupwara District during which two persons identified as Mehrajudin and Obaid Shafi Malla both residents of Awantipora were caught while moving in suspicious circumstances. On their checking a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. During the investigation, they revealed that they had come to Handwara for receiving ammunition and other war like stores for their militant outfit in South Kashmir. Sources said that preliminary investigating revealed that these militants were members of an HM militant module, which would not only recruit youth into militancy by radicalizing them over social media but also coordinate their training and arranged arms/ammunition.

On the discloser of these two militants, two more members of the module working as OGWs were arrested from Awantipora in Pulwama District. They were identified as Shahid Ahmad Thoker and Irfan Ahmad, both residents of Awantipora.

Tral in Pulwama District

At least 10 CRPF personnel were injured as militants hurled a grenade on their camp at Lariyar village of Tral in Pulwama District. Militants lobbed the grenade on 180 Battalion CRPF camp at Lariyar resulting in injuries to 10 CRPF men. The injured have been identified as Charanlal, Ganpat Singh, Santanu Gosh, Kundan Lal Chatry, Ramdulare, Meghnad Das, Itlish Kumar, Motilal Meena, Gnanave A, B Sanjay Sadahsio. HM has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Among the five militants who came to LeT 'commander' Junaid Matoo's funeral on June 17, two were from the HM, their attendance reflective of a co-ordination between terror outfits that SFs and the Police find worrisome. LeT militants Matoo, Nasir Ahmed Wani and Adil Mushtaq were killed in an encounter in Anantnag District on June 16. Nasir's funeral, too, was attended by two HM commanders. At both places - Matoo's Khudwani village in Kulgam and Nasir's family home in Heff, Shopian - the militants came armed and raised anti-India slogans. A senior Police officer said the presence of militant leaders at funerals of militants who did not belong to the same outfit, was a way to glamourise their movement. "It is a matter of concern for us," said the officer. "By appearing at militants' funerals, they are trying to attract more youths towards militancy and they have been successful sometimes."

At least two HM militants, identified as Gulzar Ahmad and Basit were killed in an encounter with SFs in Rafiabad area of Baramulla District in the morning. According to report, the militants were holed up inside a house in Pazalpora village in Rafiabad in Baramulla District. Following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants, SFs had launched a cordon and search operation last night (June 20). The Army official said two weapons were also recovered and operations were still on in the area.

The US State Department designated Syed Salahuddin, the head of Kashmiri militant group HM, as a specially designated global terrorist. The move comes just hours before the first meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington. As a consequence of this designation, US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with Salahuddin and all of Salahuddin's property and interests in property subject to United States jurisdiction are blocked.

As a senior leader of HM, the State Department said in September, 2016, Salahuddin, also known as Syed Mohammed Yusuf Shah, vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict, threatened to train more Kashmiri suicide bombers, and vowed to turn the Kashmir valley "into a graveyard for Indian forces". "Under Salahuddin's tenure as senior HM leader, HM has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people," the State Department said.

Following the designation of Salahuddin as the global terrorist, the State Department in a notification said he has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism. Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other nations, it said.

The US Government's decision to declare Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist would help in choking his movements and financing, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said. Salahuddin, head of the Kashmiri militant group HM, was a "coward" who had "run away" to Pakistan, Mehrishi said. "What the US did is correct. He (Salahuddin) is a terrorist and he has now been declared so. This declaration by the US may probably help in impacting his movements and funding," Mehrishi said.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar had said in Washington that the designation was "a strong signal coming out of the administration that it is committed to ending terror in all forms". "We should take the step for what it is. It is fixing responsibility, highlighting the problem. There is a signaling out of it, it is focusing on a particular group and particular individual. None of us can really miss that message," he said.

India

India said the interview telecast by a Pakistani TV channel of HM 'chief' Syed Salahuddin on July 1, is further proof of Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism. "The brazen admission by Syed Salahuddin of perpetrating terrorist attacks on India and having the capacity to carry out such attacks at any place and time in India is a further proof of Pakistan's continuing policy of cross-border terrorism," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

"His (Salahuddin) confession of assistance in such activities from Pakistan also affirms the complicity of Pakistan's state structure in using terrorist proxies as a matter of policy against the neighbours," Baglay said. He added, "The interview only highlights the unabashed manner in which terrorist organisations and leaders enjoy freedom of operations in Pakistan, including access to terror financing and procurement and supply of weapons for terrorism."

UK

Birmingham city council withdrew its permission for a planned rally to mark "Burhan Wani Day" on July 8 after India lodged a protest with the UK Government against the "glorification of terrorists". The rally was being planned by UK-based Kashmiri groups to mark the first death anniversary of the 'commander' of the HM militant outfit killed in a gun battle with Indian armed forces in the Kashmir valley on July 8, 2016. India on July 3 protested to the UK over the planned rally. "We took a booking for a peaceful rally highlighting the human rights abuse in Kashmir. However, we are now aware of concerns raised about the promotional leaflet and, having assessed the material, have not given permission for the use of Victoria Square," a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said.

Baramulla District

A soldier belonging to Territorial Army (TA), identified as Zahoor Ahmad Thakur went missing from North Kashmir's Baramulla District and Police suspect that he may have joined hands with militant group HM. Zahoor Ahmad Thakur was reportedly missing from his camp in Gantmulla area along with an AK-47 rifle. "Thakur belongs to Pulwama district. A search operation has been launched," Police sources said. Thakur's suspected joining of HM becomes more relevant as the terror outfit is planning to recruit more 40 local militants.

India

India slammed Pakistan for making a martyr out of HM militant Burhan Wani, who was killed on July 8 2016. Criticising the Pakistani Government for glorifying the dead terrorist, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted, "First, Foreign Office of Pakistan read from banned LeT's script. Now, Pakistan COAS (army chief) glorifies Burhan Wani. Pakistan's terror support and sponsorship need to be condemned by one and all." Baglay's comments came a day after Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa praised Wani. Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif too paid tributes to Wani, saying his death "infused a new spirit in the struggle for freedom" in Kashmir Valley.

Radbugh village /Budgam District

Three HM militants were killed in an encounter in Radbugh village in Budgam District in the morning. The slain militants were identified as Javid Sheikh, Dawood Ahmad Sofi and Aaquib Gul. The gun battle started on July 11 evening after SFs launched a search operation following a tip-off about the presence of militants in Radbugh village in Budgam's Magam area at around 7.30pm, a senior Army officer said. "Their bodies along with three assault rifles have been recovered," he added.

J&K

Pakistan is arming the militant group HM with chemical weapons to carry out terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, audio excerpts intercepted by security agencies have revealed. According to this report, these transcripts are undeniable and damning proof of how Pakistan is aiding and abetting terror activities in Pakistan. Terror outfits have lost 90 members to military offensives during the past few months, and hitting back with chemical weapons may be a desperate way for HM to get back at the Indian security establishment. According to the accessed transcripts, HM members have already got their hands on these chemical weapons. Plans to use these weapons, primarily at forces, seem to be a desperate attempt to retaliate against the back-to-back successful offences launched by the SFs.

Members of this outfit hope to surprise the Indian security forces, which have so far been dealing in conventional weaponry, with this chemical attack. "Inshallah, we are going to get lots of support from Pakistan...things are happening along the border. In days to come, Pakistan will step-up its anti-India game,' a HM operative can be heard saying at one point. At another instance, this operative adds, "Till now we've used grenade launchers on the Indian army...killing just 3-4 and injuring a few. But now it's time to change our tactics. We will straightaway use chemical weapons...to kill as many as possible at the same time." Hizb-ul-Mujahideen is the biggest terror outfit in the Valley with around 200 active members.

Srinagar

In a first, the corpse of a militant was wrapped in the flag of the Islamic State (IS) terror group as hundreds of supporters joined his funeral in Srinagar. They waved flags with pictures of slain HM 'commander' Burhan Wani and his protégé Zakir Rashid Bhat alias Musa. This was a departure from previous instances when the bodies of slain militants used to be covered with Pakistani flags. Sajad Gilkar, a resident of downtown Srinagar, was killed along with two other HM militants in an encounter on July 12. Police said Gilkar had played a key role in the lynching of DySP Mohammad Ayub Pandith. Gikar's funeral prayers were held in the premises of Jamia Masjid where Pandith was lynched by a mob on June 22.

Shopian

Police arrested four persons including a Policeman and bank official for their involvement in providing logistic support and participation in the killing of SPO Khurshid Ahmed in Imamsahab Shopian last month. Police said that during the investigations of the case, it was revealed that the attack was carried out by HM outfit based in Shopian. "One Nazim Nazir Dar on the direction of other HM militants Saddam Padder and Irfan Abdullah Ganie, both residents of Heff carried the attack", said Police. Police said that in the criminal conspiracy four OGWs provided logistic support to the militant group who were identified as Amir Mohidin - a bank official, Constable Towseef Ahmad of Chakoora, Basharat Yusuf Mir - working as private teacher and Iftikar Rather alias Jamshed. "After sustained questioning they were arrested and are being investigated for their roles", Police said.

Baramulla District

SFs busted a HM militant module, luring youth to militancy, by arresting three persons in Baramulla District. The arrested HM militants were identified as Ansarullah Tantaray, Abdul Rashid Bhat, and Mehrajuddin Kak. SSP Baramulla, Imtiyaz Hussain said that Baramulla Police, assisted by other SFs, busted the module which has been active in the area to lure young boys to militancy. The SSP said the module was being spearheaded by HM 'commander' Parvez Wani alias Mub-ashir, a resident of Gagloora, Handwara in North Kashmir's Kupwara District.

The SSP said the module had plans to send many boys to Pakistan on valid visa to get them trained in militant camps of PoK. "One of the accused Abdul Rashid Bhat had visited Pakistan in the month of May this year and got training for undertaking terrorist activities in Khalid bin Waleed camp of HM located in PoK," he said. The SSP said Bhat had got the visa from Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi on the recommendation of a separatist organization. "Arms, ammunition and Rs one lakh in Indian currency has been recovered from their possession," he said. He said that module has not only been luring young boys to militancy, but providing all logistic support to other militants of the outfit as well. Imtiyaz said recently Baramulla Police saved around 10 boys meant to be inducted in militant ranks and handed them over to their parents.

The counter-insurgency cell of the JKP is monitoring the write-ups and the propaganda material of the Al-Qaeda that mention Zakir Musa as the 'commander' of its new Kashmir group. A top Police officer said, the cell was keeping a watch on Musa, a Kashmir-born militant, whose name first appeared in an Arabic publication close to the Al-Qaeda in May. "We are monitoring the Musa group's activity and its connections across the borders," the officer said. The U.K.-based Guardian newspaper reported that Al-Qaeda "has formally announced the establishment of a new Kashmir-based terror group Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind headed by Musa.

The Global Islamic Media Front, the online propaganda distribution arm of Al-Qaeda, has also mentioned Musa's name. On May 13, Musa quit the HM after the United Jehad Council took exception to his statement threatening to "behead separatist leaders, especially those who describe Kashmir as a mere political issue" and not a religious war for an Islamic state. Musa hails from a middle-class family. One of his brothers is a doctor in the Tral area of Pulwama. Musa joined the militant ranks during slain 'commander' Burhan Wani's recruitment drive in 2013-14.

Bijbehara area / Anantnag District

Suspected HM militants robbed and decamped with a cash amount of over INR 5 lakh from Arwani branch of J&K Bank in Bijbehara area of Anantnag. Around 12:40 pm, a group of four HM militants, who had boarded an Alto Car, stopped outside the Arwani branch of J&K Bank. They said while two militants stayed outside the bank, rest others armed with one AK 47 rifle and one INSAS rifle barged into the J&K Bank branch where they asked officials to handover cash. Interestingly, both the militants had donned a veil, locally called Burqa, and after looting the cash on gun-point, they also ransacked the computers of the bank branch. Police said that militants fled with around INR 5.20 lakh amount. A police spokesman said that during the initial investigation and with the help of CCTV footage, it was found that HM militants are involved in the crime.

Zoipora / Shopian District

Two Army personnel including an Army Major, identified as Army Major Kamlesh and Sepoy Tanjin were killed in a gun battle in South Kashmir. A joint team of Army and Police launched a cordon and search operation at village Matribugh, Zoipora in Shopian District following a tip off about the presence of some militants. The militants hiding in the area opened fire triggering off an encounter in which an army Major along with two soldiers sustained bullet injuries. Two soldiers including an officer later succumbed to their injuries. The militants believed to be three in number managed to escape while taking advantage of darkness. HM claimed responsibility for the attack.

Gopalpora village / DH Pora/ Kulgam District

Two HM militants, identified as Aaqib Ahmad Itoo and Suhail Ahmad were killed in an encounter with SFs in Kulgam District. SFs had laid an ambush at Gopalpora village in DH Pora following a tip off about the movement of some militants in the area. As the militants entered the ambushed area, they were challenged after which a fierce gun battle took place between the SFs and the militants in which two militants were killed. Bodies of the two militants were recovered along with two AK 47 rifles.

Bijbehara in Anantnag District

One HM militant, identified as Yawar Nissar Shergujri and an unidentified civilian were killed in an encounter with SFs in Kanelwan village in Bijbehara in Anantnag District. One soldier, identified as Rohit Kumar sustained injuries during the encounter. The unidentified person who was killed was riding a motorcycle in the area and was caught in the crossfire during the encounter between terrorists and SFs. SFs conducted search operations in the area based on intelligence inputs that three militants had been spotted in the area. During the search operations, the militants opened fire on the SFs and the latter retaliated. While the HM militant Shergujri was killed in the exchange of fire, two militants managed to escape in the cover of darkness. Police recovered an SLR, two magazines, 40 rounds and one Chinese hand grenade from the slain militant.

Kreeri area /Baramulla District

Police busted a module of HM in Kreeri area of Baramulla District by arresting its three members. Police said that assisted by Army's 29 RR and CRPF on a specific information laid a joint checkpoint at Behrampora Tilgam crossing in Baramulla District and arrested three suspected HM militants, identified as Waseem Ahmed Mir, Umer Hassan Rather and Hussain Rather. Police said that two Chinese pistols along with ammunition was recovered from their possession. "On sustained questioning, the trio admitted that they are working for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terror outfit and motivating young boys into militancy", said Police.

Drubgam village / Pulwama District

HM 'commander' Sameer Tiger along with his two associates fled from cordon in Drubgam village of Pulwama District on August 7 night. The militants, who were hiding in a house, fired on troops during searches leading to a gun battle but they managed to escape. SFs later cordoned off the entire villages and conducted house to house searches. The operation continued till 9 a.m on August 8 but was called off.

Awnera village / Shopian District

In a major success to the SFs, HM 'commander' Yasin Ittoo alias Mehmood Ghaznavi was killed on August 13 in an overnight encounter at Awnera village in Shopian District, taking the death toll to five; two army personnel and three militants. The night-long fierce encounter that started on August 12 evening ended on August 13th morning after the killing of HM 'commander' Yasin Ittoo. His two associates, identified as Umar Majid Sheikh and Irfan ul Sheikh were killed by SFs on August 12 night and the dead bodies were recovered in the August 13th morning. Two Army personnel, identified as identified as Sepoy Gawai Sumedh Waman, and Sepoy Ilayaraja P were also killed and three others injured in the encounter on August 12 night.

Ittoo, from Chadoora area of Budgam District of central Kashmir, had a long association with HM. He was oldest surviving militant in Valley who joined HM in 1996 and was arrested in 2007 and later released on parole in 2014 after remaining in jail for seven years. He joined the militant group again and was 'commander' of the outfit. One KK series rifle used by Ittoo and two AK series rifles of his associates were recovered from the encounter site. The militants were shifting from one house to another during the encounter and four houses were damaged in the gun fight that ended this morning. Authorities suspended internet services in Shopian and Kulgam to prevent spreading of information about the encounter and mobilization of people towards the encounter site.

US

The US designated militant outfit HM as a "foreign terrorist organisation", nearly two months after declaring the group's 'chief' Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist. The designation, which slaps a series of US sanctions on the outfit, came against the backdrop of an upsurge in terror activities by the militant group in Jammu and Kashmir in recent months. "These designations seek to deny Hizb-ul-Mujahideen the resources it needs to carry out terrorist attacks," the State Department said in a statement. All of HM's property and interests subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and people in the US are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group. The decision marks a severe blow to Pakistan which has been projecting the militant group as a voice of the Kashmiri people.

New Delhi

India has welcomed the US' decision to designate HM as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying it follows a joint commitment by the two countries to fight the menace of terrorism. "I welcome this step by the United States state department to designate Hizb-ul-Mujahideen as a foreign terrorist organisation, that has been responsible for carrying out heinous act of terrorismIt reflects the joint commitment of India and the US to firmly deal with terrorism in all its forms and manifestation," spokesperson of MEA Raveesh Kumar said. Syed Salahuddin, the 'chief' of HM, had been declared a 'global terrorist' by the US in June, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US. The move was criticised by Pakistan which calls HM a group of freedom fighters.

J&K

With squads of 400-odd terrorists, HM cadre in J&K do not seem unnerved by the US state department declaring the outfit a 'global terror group. In fact there are experts who suggested that given the degree of anti-Americanism in Muslim-dominated Valley, this could even have a multiplier effect. One cannot ignore the jolts suffered by HM in the past by way of internal feud over money, ideology, and with other terror groups like JKLF, which ultimately gave up arms in 1994 with the release of their chief Yasin Malik from jail.

Nonetheless, HM is still operating in the Valley and continues to get local support. "Hizb is now operated directly by Syed Salauddin from PoK - albeit through their south Kashmir-based conduits," a top Hurriyat separatist said. Mainstream political parties like the PDP, NC and even Congress did not sound too upbeat about the State Department's action against the Hizb and termed it a "diplomatic gesture" which will hardly deter the outfit's cadre. "It has rather given legitimacy to the group in Muslim majority Kashmir due to its hatred against the US, whom it blames for Palestine and wars in several Muslim countries," said Nasir Aslam Wani, senior NC official and former minister. PDP avoided coming on record considering it's in governance with the BJP, which has branded US action as India's victory on the international stage.

"Hizb's 100-odd homegrown militants, under newly minted commander Riyaz Naikoo, are stooges of Pakistan's ISI. Outfits like Hizb have no international base except in Pakistan; therefore, it would not choke their resources in terms of the funding, etc.," a top PDP official said. Intelligence sources said the US declaration will have little impact in the Valley. The Hizb cadre comprises stone pelters and hardcore Muslim radicals. While stone-pelters are oblivious of the facts of the insurgency, radicals are unbothered about US utterances, sources said. "They firmly believe they are fighting jihad against Hindu India," a senior intelligence officer said. Hizb is unhassled in the Valley with substantial public support. Notwithstanding a few incidents of flow of information about presence of militants in the villages, they get food, shelter and other comfort from sections of locals

SFs, during a raid, arrested a HM militant, identified as Shahid Ahmad Wani from Zainapora village of Shopian District. "A Chinese pistol, nine rounds and a magazine were recovered from his possession," Police said, adding that a vehicle has also been seized.

J&K

With over 140 militants already killed this year (2017) in the ongoing anti-militancy operations, HM 'operational commander' Riyaz Naikoo has banned its cadre "from using mobile phones to minimise the losses". "It seems they [Hizbul militants] have damaged their old SIM cards. It's not possible for them to survive without mobile phones. They have either managed new numbers or are staying without mobile phones," said IGP, Kashmir, Muneer Khan.

Sources said the killing of HM 'operational commander' Yasin Itoo alias Mehmood Ghaznavi in an encounter in Shopian on August 13 had "struck a major blow to striking capability of Hizb" in south Kashmir. A top counter-insurgency official said that after Itoo's killing, the new commander Naikoo has taken centre stage, and 'is trying to keep the organisation's ranks intact and disallow any defection to the more hard-line group led by Zakir Musa, who claims to represent the Kashmir arm of al Qaeda'. In a bid to "revive striking capability", Naikoo has asked militants to "surrender their mobile phones". "In case of suspension of use of mobile phones, the police too will chalk out a fresh strategy to track them down. The 'Operation All-Out' will continue," said IGP Muneer Khan.

Sopore area /Baramulla District

Two HM militants, identified as HM 'divisional commander' Pervaiz Ahmad Wani alias Mudasir alias Bashir alias Ishfaq and his associate Naeem Ahmad Najar were killed in a fierce encounter in Sopore area of Baramulla District. Acting on specific information about presence of militants in Chek-e-Brath village in Sopore Area SFs launched a cordon and search operation in the village. Militants, who were hiding in the house of Peerzada Bashir Ahmad Shah, fired on the SFs during the searches leading to a gun battle which lasted for three hours during which two militants were killed. Police recovered two bodies of the militants from the debris of the house in which they were hiding. Two AK rifles, three AK magazines, 90 AK rounds, one INSAS rifle, one INSAS magazine, 13 INSAS rounds and other ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. Senior SSP Sopore, Harmeet Singh said that these militants were involved in many anti-national and anti-social activities.

Sopore area / Baramulla District

A 'district commander' of HM, identified as Shahid Ahmad Sheikh alias Shabir was killed in an encounter with SFs in Sopore area of Baramulla District. He was earlier affiliated with JeM. One AK rifle, two AK magazines, one grenade, 23 AK rounds and a pouch was recovered from the encounter site. Police said that he was involved in many anti social, anti national and criminal activities.

Barbugh area / Shopian District

Two HM militants were killed and another one surrendered during an overnight operation by the SFs in Shopian District which started on September 9 and ended on September 10. The encounter which started on September 9 evening in Barbugh area of Shopian District after militants attacked an Army patrol, which retaliated killing a militant on the spot and trapping two others in a house in the village. The operation was put on hold for the night and in the morning (September 10) as the operation was resumed heavy gun fire followed in which one militant was killed. Another militant later surrendered. A 14-year old girl, identified as Khusboo Jan was also injured in the firing and she was immediately shifted to nearby hospital.

A Police spokesman said that acting on specific information, Shopian Police along with 44 RR launched a cordon and search operation in Barbugh area of Shopian. "During searches, terrorists hiding in the area fired upon the search party. Two terrorists were gunned down in this encounter who were identified as Altaf Ahmad Rather son of Mohammad Maqbool resident of Awneera Zainapora, Shopian and Tariq Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Ibrahim resident of Barbugh, Shopian and one identified as Adil Hussain Dar son of Nazir Ahmad Dar resident of Chitripora, Shopian, surrendered", he said. He said arms and ammunition were also recovered from the encounter site.

Khudwani area / Kulgam District

Two HM militants, identified as Dawood Ahmed Ali and Shaiyar Ahmed Wani were killed in a gun battle with SFs and another militant, Arief Sofi was arrested in Khudwani area of Kulgam District. Acting on a tip off, the SFs cordoned off a village in Khudwani area at 3a), when they were fired upon by holed up militants. An AK-47and an INSAS rifle were also recovered from the encounter site.

Police arrested another OGW of HM, identified as Waheed Ahmad Bhat from Larganapora Bichwara village of Kralgund in Kupwara District. Police recovered a hand grenade from him.

Police arrested a OGW of HM, identified as Mohammad Shafi Mir along with a grenade at a checkpoint in Qalamabad village in Handwara Tehsil in Kupwara District.

Police arrested a key militancy instigator and motivator of HM outfit in Baramulla District. SSP, Baramulla, Imtiyaz Hussain said that an OGW Ishtiaq Ahmad Wani, resident of Goushbugh village of Pattan in the District, who was at large and wanted for motivating and instigating young boys of Pattan and Palhallan area to join HM outfit, was arrested. "Due to continuous pressure, encounters by police and other security agencies, most of the militants, who were active in North Kashmir, have been neutralized because of which the controllers of HM from across and with Kashmir are trying to accelerate the recruitment process in this area," SSP Wani said. The SSP said recently, Police prevented around 10 boys from being inducted in militant ranks. They were handed over to their parents. "Out of these 10 boys, four boys, were motivated by the arrested recruiter to join militant ranks of Hizbul Mujahideen," he said.

Police arrested a militant of HM, identified as Zameer Ahmed Khatana Gujjar in Ajar area of Bandipora District. Police said that based on specific information about the movement of some militants, a joint naka (checkpoint) was laid by Bandipora Police, Army's 14 RR and CRPF 3rd Batallion at Gurezmod in Bandipora. "During naka checking, one militant of HM outfit was apprehended along with arms and ammunition," Police said. A Chinese pistol, magazine and eight rounds were recovered from his possession.

The streets of Shopian (Shopian District) are splashed with posters bearing HM stamp blaming al Qaeda-appointed 'head' of Kashmir jihad, Zakir Musa, for 'helping Indian forces kill Kashmiris' and asking people to 'chase him to death', while also describing him as an 'Indian agent'. Written in Urdu, with Musa's picture displayed prominently, the posters claim that the former HM militant got many 'innocents killed by Indian tyrants in lieu of huge money'. 'This traitor is creating different outfits in league with the government. Initially, he was part of Hizb and thereafter, he joined hands with the government of India. He even termed Hurriyat wrong. Therefore, wherever you find him, kill him,' the posters said.

Dessa area /Doda District

SFs busted a major hideout of HM and recovered a huge cache of arms in Thanna Forests of Dessa area in Doda District. Recoveries made from the hideout included two AK-47 rifles, two UBGLs, two Chinese pistols, two Chinese grenades, four RPG rounds, 300 rounds of AK-47 and certain other items. However, no arrests were made from the spot. "Security forces continued their persistent operations to keep Doda district safe and sanitized from terrorists as well as their support infrastructure. Recovery of war like stores from Thana forests of Dessa will deal a severe blow to nefarious designs of terrorists to revive militancy in the area,'' sources said.

Gatipora village / Kellar / Shopian District

Three militants of HM including 'district commander' Zahid Malik alias Zahid Mir were killed a fierce encounter in Shopian District. The other two militants were identified as Irfan Abdullah Ganie and Asif Ahmad Paul. A joint team of 43 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search at Gatipora village in Kellar at around 4 pm. During the searches, the hiding militants opened fire triggering an encounter. Three militants were killed in the gunfight and all the bodies along with three AK rifles were recovered from the site.

Shopian District

Police arrested two Police personnel and an OGW who supplied ammunition to HM militants in Shopian District. Police said that a naka party of Police arrested Adil Ahmad Negroo near Circuit House Shopian in suspicious conditions and recovered 20 live rounds of AK-47 from his possession on October 9. "He is a strong OGW of active militant Waseem Wagay alias Saifullah and Ishfaq Thoker alias Abrar of HM outfit," Police said. "On questioning, the said person revealed that he and his friend namely Mudasir Ahmad Mir of Okay Kulgam had received 40 rounds of AK-47 from one constable Shabir Ahmad Malik of Amshipora Shopian and posted in District Ganderbal". Police said that Constable Shabir Ahmad Malik was arrested. "He further revealed that he had received the said 40 rounds from Constable Nazir Ahmad Najar of Kulgam who is currently posted in Kot DPL Shopian," Police said. Shopian SP Shriram Ambark Dinkr said that both the policemen have been arrested and further investigation is on.

Shopian District

In second incident of its kind within 24 hours, militants raided another bank and decamped with nearly INR 2 lakh in Shopian District. Police sources said that three masked militants at about 11.20 am barged into Ratnipora branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Shopian and decamped with a cash amount of INR 1,93,000. Sources said that the militants also beat up peon of the bank and managed to escape before arrival of the SFs. A Police official said that the militants involved in the robbery have been identified as Mohammad Abbas Bhat, Ishfaq Thoker and Zubair Turray. He said the trio is associated with HM and have been identified on the basis of "human and technical intelligence".

DH Pora area / Kulgam District

A Police constable, identified as Khurshid Ahmad Tak was killed after militants opened indiscriminate fire on Police vehicles at DH Pora area of Kulgam District. A Police spokesman said that a Police team on duty for medical camp, comprising the AST team and a bunker vehicle while returning from duty was fired upon by the hiding militants at Nandinarg crossing in DH Pora area of Kulgam District. "The police party retaliated and due to brave retaliatory action, Police foiled the attempt of weapon snatching conspired by the militants," he said. The spokesman said that during attack, driver of the AST vehicle Khurshid Ahmad Tak got injured in the firing of the militants. "Despite being injured, he displayed conspicuous act of courage by successfully taking the vehicle out of arch of fire and saved life of others. He attained martyrdom in the process," he said.

The spokesman denied that the attack was on cavalcade of MLA Noorabad. "The news item regarding the attack on the Honorable legislator Noorabad is incorrect and is denied," he said, adding that perpetrators behind this attack have been identified as Gulzar Paddar group and Umar Majid Ganie group of HM. "In this connection investigation was also set into motion," he said.

Kulgam District

IGP Muneer Khan said an OGW of militants, Rameez Yatoo, who works in a medical agency in Kulgam, was arrested. "Arms and ammunition were recovered from his home. He had helped the militants in carrying out the attack on the Police vehicle at Damhal Hanjipura on Saturday (October 14) in which one cop had lost his life," the IGP said adding the attack was carried out by militants of HM.

Imam Sahib area / Shopian District

A PDP worker and former Sarpanch, identified as Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh was killed by HM militants in his house at Huomhuna village in Imam Sahib area of Shopian District while one of the militant was killed by the sons of PDP worker in the scuffle. Sources said that at least three HM militants barged into the house of Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh in the night. As the militants called out PDP worker, his sons accompanied him but militants shot Sheikh wounding him critically. Sons of the PDP worker snatched rifle from one of the militants in scuffle and fired from it killing a militant of HM, identified as Shoukat Ahmad Kumar of Trenz Shopian. Sheikh was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Senior Police and Army officials reached the spot and massive searches have been launched against the other two militants, who managed to escape from the scene.

Wathoo village / Shopian District

A teacher, identified as Aijaz Ahmad Lone was found dead with slit throat in Wathoo village of Shopian District. Aijaz Ahmad Lone was found dead under mysterious conditions near Lar Maadan Stadium in Wathoo area in the morning. He was a resident of Gatipora village of the District. Sources said that last evening (October 17) he got a phone call from the militants as he was also working as OGW with HM for last few years. He was severely beaten up by the militants and then his throat was slit.

It may be mentioned here that three militants of HM including 'district commander' Zahid Malik who were killed in a fierce encounter in Shopian District of South Kashmir on October 9 were hiding in his house. As SFs launched a cordon-and-search at village Gatipora in Kellar area of Shopian on October 9, the militants hiding in the house of Aijaz fled and took shelter adjacent house belonging to his father. All the three militants were later killed by SFs and his father's house was damaged in the encounter.

Pulwama District

RR and 183 CRPF and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police cordoned off Monghama village in Pulwama District after reports about presence of two HM militants hiding inside the village. Sources said that two HM militants Zahoor Ahmad and Mohammad Zahid were hiding in the village when troops cordoned it off. Both of them are locals and Zahoor was with Territorial Army and early this year he fled from an Army camp along with a weapon to join militancy. However, as the cordon of the village was laid at around 1.30 p.m residents pelted stones on the SFs, who, in return, fired teargas to disperse them and the ding dong battles continued for four hours. The operation was later called off at around 5.30 p.m.

Tral area / Pulwama District

A militant of HM, identified as Arizoo Bashir Najar was arrested in Tral area of Pulwama District. A joint team of SOG of Police and CRPF, following a tip off, raided the area and arrested the militant. Arizoo Bashir Najar, a resident of Mandoora Tral, had gone missing on September 20 and later his pictures with AK-47 rifle surfaced on sections of social media. Arizoo was earlier arrested in January this year and remained behind bars for almost five months before released on bail.

New Delhi

A day after UHM Rajnath Singh announced dialogue on J&K and designated retired IB Director Dineshwar Sharma as the Special Representative for talks, the NIA arrested Syed Shahid Yousuf, son of HM 'chief' Syed Salahuddin, in connection with a 2011 terror funding case for allegedly receiving money from his father. Syed Salahuddin, a resident of Budgam District in Kashmir is operating HM outfit from PoK and fanning militancy in Jammu and Kashmir by sending armed terrorists to the State, apart from hawala money to fuel unrest in the Valley.

Syed Shahid Yousuf, son of HM 'chief' Syed Salahuddin, was sent to judicial custody by a Delhi court in a 2011 terror funding case. District Judge Poonam A Bamba sent the accused to custody till November 27 after he was produced before the court on expiry of his seven-day custody of the NIA. The NIA had earlier alleged that the accused had links with proscribed terrorist organisation like HM. The NIA said the case was registered on the basis of information regarding funds from Pakistan being sent to Jammu and Kashmir through hawala channels via Delhi to fund terrorism.

Shopian Police have identified the killers of Gowhar Ahmad Bhat, President of BJYM, youth wing of the ruling BJP, who was killed in Shopian District on November 2, as Hamas, resident of Pakistan, Umer Nazir, resident of Malikgund and affiliated to the LeT, Ishfaq Thoker, resident of Paderpora and Zubair Turay, resident of Shopian and affiliated to the HM. Police have announced cash reward for the persons whose information will lead to their arrest or killing.

Handwara area / Kupwara District

Two militants of HM were killed in a brief exchange of fire at Handwara area of Kupwara District. Militants fired upon a joint party of Police and Army near Galganzer, Zachaldara in Rajwar area of Handwara in the frontier District. The attack was, however, repulsed and both the militants were killed in exchange of fire. The militants have been identified as Toyib of Sopore and Ashiq of Palhallan in Baramulla District. They were affiliated with HM outfit.

Qazigund / Kulgam District

An Army soldier and a HM militant were killed and another two soldiers were injured in a day long encounter in the Nowbug Kund village area of Qazigund in Kulgam District. Acting on specific information, that six HM and LeT militants, including LeT's 'district commander', Altaf Kachru, were hiding in the village the SFs cordoned off the village in the morning. As searches were launched, the hiding militants fired upon the SFs triggering an encounter. The intermittent firing continued throughout the day between the two sides in which one soldier and a militant were killed. The slain militant, identified as Muzamil Ahmad of Badroo Yaripora, Kulgam, was an Engineering Graduate, and was active since 2015. Searches were on against the rest members of the group and SFs suspected that they were still hiding in the forest area and had intensified the operation to track them down.

Tral / Pulwama District

A HM militant, identified as Adil Rashid Chopan of Larow in Tral was killed in an encounter with the SFs in the Gujarbasti forest area of Tral in Pulwama District. According to reports, the SFs launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area on the bases of information about the presence of some militants. During the searches, gunshots were heard, prompting the SFs to intensify the combing operation. As the SFs zeroed in towards the area where from gun shots were heard, militants fired on the troops leading to a gun battle in which one militant was killed. Other militants of the group, however, managed to escape.