Farooq Ahmed Nali, the longest surviving Hizb ul Mujahideen commander has been killed in the encounter at Kader area of Kulgam district of south Kashmir.
Officials told The Kashmiriyat that on Thursday morning Government forces that 34 RR and 9 RR of Indian army, 18 BN of CRPF and Jammu Kashmir Police launched a cordon and search operation in the area.
During the operation, launched following a specific input about militant movement in the area, the militants fired upon government forces.
“Two government force personnel were injured in the firing who were rushed to the hospital, where they are being treated,” they said.
Though the DIG of south Kashmir range said the identities of slain militants are being confirmed, sources told The Kashmiriyat that the five slain militants were locals.
They identified the slain as Farooq Ahmed Bhat (Nali) son of Abdul Gani Bhat, resident of Khanpora Yaripora in Kulgam re-activated in 2015 April.
Mushtaq Ahmed Itoo son of Ghulam Hassan Itoo, resident of Mohammedpora Kulgam active since 16 March 2020.
Adil Hussain son of Ghulam Mohamed Hajam, resident of Khandipora Kulgam active since August 2023.
Yasir Javid Bhat son of Javid Bhat resident of Khanpora Yaripora Kulgam, active since August 2024.
Mohammed Irfan son of Mohammed Yaqoob Lone resident of Hawoora Kulgam, active since June 26, 2022.
Nali, was a senior Hizbul Mujahideen commander. He was designated as an A++ category militant by authorities, Nali took over as the group’s commander following Naveed Babu’s arrest in 2020.
According to government forces, Nali was implicated in multiple cases, primarily involving attacks on security personnel and the targeted killings of Sarpanchs.
He is said to have to evade capture during several encounters.