KATHMANDU: Indian security forces said they have killed a prominent militant leader in disputed Kashmir.
Riyaz Naikoo was shot dead in his home village of Beigh Pora in Pulwama district after militants killed eight security personnel in two separate attacks, part of a recent surge of violence in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to officials.
The militant leader had been trapped in a joint siege laid by army, paramilitary and police forces. He had been on the run for eight years, said locals.
Naikoo had taken over command of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen group, succeeding Burhan Wani who was killed by security forces in 2016.
Wani’s death sparked massive protests in the region which is claimed by both India and Pakistan.
The region has seen an armed insurgency against Indian rule since 1989, which has flared following Wani’s killing.
Disputed Kashmir has been a flash-point for more than 60 years, triggering two wars between India and Pakistan.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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