Security forces claim year’s biggest success, as Burhan’s successor Sabzar, another killed

Civilian dead in crossfire, girl succumbs after hit by biker

Srinagar: In a major anti-militancy operation, Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, who succeeded Burhan Wani, was today killed along with another militant in an encounter with security forces in Tral area of Kashmir's Pulwama district.
Soon after the killings, stone-pelting protests have started at several places in the Valley.
Director General of Police S P Vaid said that Burhan Wani's successor Sabzar Ahmad Bhat is among the two militants killed in the encounter in Soimoh area of Tral this morning.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Soimoh village of Tral, 36 km from here, following information about presence of some top Hizbul Mujahideen militants in the area, a police official said.
He said the operation was launched after militants opened firing on an army patrol in Tral area last night. The official said as the security forces were closing on the building where the militants were hiding, the ultras opened fire.
A civilian was also reported dead in cross-fire at Soimoh village during the encounter in which Bhat was killed.
However, some locals claimed he was killed in firing by the security forces on protesters who took to streets and fought pitched battles with men in uniform after the encounter.
The two factions of separatist conglomerate--the Hurriyat conference--have called a two-day shutdown in the valley from tomorrow against the "use of force" against protesters in the aftermath of Bhat's killing.
Mobile internet services have been suspended across the valley to prevent rumour-mongering, officials said.
Violence erupted at more than 50 places in the valley after the news of Bhat's killing spread like wildfire.
Stone-pelting youth were out on streets in Srinagar, Tral and several big and small towns in the valley, attacking security forces.
According to an official at sub-district hospital in Tral, 19 injured people were admitted there.
While six persons had bullet injuries, 13 others were hit by pellets.
A teenager, Samir Ahmad, was hit by a tear smoke shell in the head in Mattan area of Anantnag district during clashes between security forces and protesters. He was rushed to a hospital here in a critical condition.
Five persons were injured in Shopian district during similar protests, he said adding the number of those injured across the valley might go up by the end of the day as clashes were reported from many parts.
Five police personnel were also wounded in clashes in Srinagar and have been hospitalised, the official said.
As the situation in the valley worsened, jittery people rushed back to their homes in Srinagar, leading to traffic snarls, and schools were close three hours ahead of schedule.