HM releases new video, threatens CM Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Jan 24: A new video released by Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) seems to have become the latest concern for security establishment in Jammu and Kashmir even as deployed forces face the massive task of securing a Republic Day without any major violent outbreak.

Besides making threats to the Jammu and Kashmir police and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, the armed men in their latest video are heard asking locals to observe January 26 as a black day.

Furthermore, the militants in the video have threatened that locals taking part in Republic Day functions would be "considered traitors and punished".

Three men feature in the 10 minute long video that has been doing rounds on social media websites and senior security officials said all of them have been identified as members of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Interestingly the speaker, a 40 year old militant, was presumed dead a year ago and had emerged only during last years unrest in the valley.

"Our appeal is that January 26 be celebrated as a black day and do not take part in any programs organised by a puppet government or by the army or police. Anyone who takes part in the program will be considered a traitor and punished to be taught a lesson," said one of the militants who has been identified as a 40-year-old Yaseen Yatoo.

The speaker is one of the oldest serving Hizbul militant, whereas the other two standing on his both sides of his holding a gun are relatively new entries into the proscribed outfit.

Intelligence sources said that Yatoo was believed to have died in an car accident in Jammu a year ago and Jammu and Kashmir police only found out he had actually joined the outfit during the summer agitation that followed killing of Burhan Wani.

The other two militants have been identified as Bashir Lashkari and Ashraf Molvi.

The latest video has raised a red flag among the security apparatus in the Kashmir valley which for a major part of last year fought pitched battles with locals following the killing of Burhan Wani.

A senior security official said that agencies on ground were doing everything they can to avoid violent activities planned on or before the Republic Day.

Intelligence sources said that they had identified the three suspected militants in the latest video but have not gotten any leads on their location. "The three men have been identified and all security agencies are constantly monitoring the situation in the state,"an official said.

Ever since militancy erupted in the valley in later 80s, August 15 and January 26 witness shutdown with security forces deployed in every nook and corner to avoid untoward incidents.