Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Riyaz Naikoo killed in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi : Riyaz Naikoo, one of Kashmir's most wanted terrorists and the commander of terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday.

He was slayed during an encounter with security forces in Beighpura area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. A second terrorist, believed to be an accomplice of Naikoo has been also killed in the encounter.

As the encounter involving Naikoo, 32, began at 9 am, mobile internet services were suspended across all 10 districts of Kashmir Valley. Mobile internet services remain suspended as authorities look to control any backlash from Naikoo's killing.

Riyaz Naikoo was among the most wanted terrorists in the Kashmir valley and was having a bounty of Rs 12 lakh on his head. 

Born in the south Kashmir area, Naikoo was a mathematics school teacher who became a terrorist in 2012. Wanted in 11 terror-related cases, he became "head of operations in Kashmir" after taking over from Yaseen Ittoo, a top terrorist killed in an encounter in September 2017.

Earlier today J&K Police tweeted: "Contact established in the third operation at Awantipur. Top terrorist commander is trapped. Exchange of fire on. Details shall follow".

Minutes earlier the police tweeted: "Third operation launched by Awantipur Police last night on a specific input too is in progress at Beigpora Awantipora. Senior officers monitoring since last night".