Srinagar: The security forces killed the proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen’s operation commander Saifullah Mir alias Dr. Saif on Sunday in the Kashmir Valley. The Hizbul commander died in an exchange of gun fight with the security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar within six months of him succeeding the slain maths teacher turned terrorist Riyaz Naikoo as the outfit’s Kashmir Chief.

DGP Dilbag Singh said Saifullah, classified as A category terrorist, was behind the killing of three BJP leaders. DGP also said Saifullah had masterminded the killing of three BJP workers, including a District Secretary of BJYM, in South Kashmir’s Kulgam on Friday. A joint team of the police, CRPF and the army had cordoned off the Rangrath neighbourhood, close to the J & K Light Infantry Head Quarters, after receiving intelligence inputs about Saifullah being holed up there with an aide.

The Pulwama born Hizbul commander fired several rounds at the security forces before being eliminated, said Kashmir range IGP Vijay Kumar. A suspected terrorist accompanying him has been arrested, he said.