Unmasking the new commander of the Hizbul in the Valley

Naikoo is a well known face in the Valley and has released several statements through video in the past. He has been part of the Hizbul since 2012.

Mohammad Bin Qasim is the new operational chief of the Hizbul Mujahideen. The decision to name him chief was taken after Yasin Itoo, a member of the Burhan Wani faction was killed in an encounter with security forces earlier this week.

In a press statement, the Hizbul Mujahideen confirmed Itoo was its commander but like the last time did not give the real name of the new chief.

The death of 40-year-old Itoo alias Mehmood Ghaznavi, who was named the "commander" by United Jihad Council chief Syed Salahuddin four days after the killing of militant Burhan Wani in July last year, has come as a big blow to the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Intelligence Bureau officials say that Qasim is the alias for Riyaz Naikoo who is currently the district commander of the Hizbul. He is a category A++ terrorist who is on the wanted list of 12 released by the Indian Army.

Naikoo is a well known face in the Valley and has released several statements through video in the past. He has been part of the Hizbul since 2012.

The Hizbul is going through some desperate times off late. Burhan Wani had formed a gang of ten including himself in the Valley. The forces have so far gunned down 8 of them. While one surrendered, another is still at large.

OneIndia News