SRINAGAR: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar on Thursday said Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) chief Riyaz Naikoo was among 64 militants killed in 27 operations conducted by security forces since January this year in J&K.
Mr Kumar said that the restrictions on movement and suspension of cellular and mobile internet services were necessary to maintain law and order in the valley, where Naikoo and three other militants were killed in two separate encounters in Pulwama on Wednesday. ”Security forces have successfully conducted 27 operations since January this year during which 64 militants have been killed in J&K,” IGP Kashmir told reporters here.
He termed the killing of Naikoo in an encounter as a major success for security forces and a huge setback for HM. “Security forces were searching for Naikoo from last six months,” he said.
Mr Kumar said since January, 25 active militants were also arrested in the valley.
”After Naikoo’s killing there was some law and order problem near the encounter site. Few people were injured during the clashes,” he said, adding restrictions and suspension of cellular service and mobile internet was necessary to maintain law and order situation in the valley.
He said the situation will be reviewed and decision to restore the services would be taken accordingly.
In a major success, security forces on Wednesday killed Naikoo besides three other militants in two separate encounters which ensued after security forces launched Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama. (AGENCIES)
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