Top Hizbul commander killed in encounter with security force in Kashmir

Srinagar: A top commander of proscribed terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, named Mehraj-ud-din Halwai alias Ubaid was killed during an encounter between the terrorists and security forces in North Kashmir's Handwara on Wednesday.

As per the police statement, "On Tuesday, the police along with SSB during a routine 'Naka' (checkpoint) checking regarding the enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour at Watyen Handwara, had stopped a number of vehicles. During checking, one pedestrian was behaving in a very suspicious manner, who was tactfully apprehended by the joint Naka party."

"During his personal search, one grenade was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, he was immediately shifted to the nearest police post for questioning. During questioning, he identified himself as Mehraj-ud-din Halwai alias Ubaid Son of Abdul Khaliq, a resident of Khushal Mattoo Sopore, an active terrorist commander of proscribed terror outfit HM," police said.

Police said incriminating material, arms and ammunition, including one Ak-47, four magazines, a power bank, blanket, medicines, etc., were recovered from the said hideout site.(encounter site).

As per police records, the terrorist was a categorized A++ terrorist and was a group commander of the proscribed terror outfit HM. He was active since 2012 and was involved in several killings in North Kashmir.

"He had a long terror crime history, including attacks on police/Security Forces and civilian atrocities. He was part of the group involved in various terror crimes and several cases were registered against him", said police.

"He was involved in the killing of SPO Mudasir Ahmad Dar of Untoo Hamam Sopore on 28-07-2013, attack on Sarpanch Khazir Mohd Parray of Krankshivan on 26-07-2013, killing of Sarpanch Habib Ullah Mir of Goripora Bomai, attack on Panch Mst Zoona Begum of Hardshiva Sopore, attack on police party at Hygam Sopore along with his associates on 26-04-2013, in which 4 policemen got killed and decamped with three weapons of the killed policemen, killing of Hurriyat activists Sheikh Altaf-ur-Rehman of Iqbal Nagar Sopore and Khursheed Ahamd Bhat of Bomai Sopore," the report said.

"He was also involved in the killing of former terrorists Mehraj-ud-Din Dar of Badambagh Sopore and Aijaz Ahmad Reshi of Mundji Sopore. Besides, he was involved in attacks on various establishments, including on Hotel Heemal Srinagar," it added.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law and an investigation has been initiated.