Former Hizbul militant Zakir Musa killed in Pulwama encounter, curfew imposed in parts of Kashmir

In a major success against terrorism in South Kashmir @JmuKmrPolice & Security forces eliminated Zakir Rashid Bhat@Zakir Musa Chief Commander and Founder of #AnsarGazwatulHind;only surviving terrorist of erstwhile Burhan group. https://t.co/8VI7oazgrY

— J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) May 24, 2019

Spontaneous protests had broken out in Shopian, Pulwama, Awantipora and downtown Srinagar, with people raising slogans in favour of Musa. Curfew has been imposed in parts of Kashmir in wake of Musa’s killing. Educational institutions have also been closed in places in Kashmir as a precautionary measure and the internet was also shutdown, PTI reported.

Musa, who was a close aide of slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, was trapped inside a house after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara village of Awantipora. Till late Thursday night, there was no official confirmation or any release from J&K Police about Zakir Musa being trapped in the encounter or getting killing.

Assuredly moving towards #TerrorismFreeKashmir. Terrorist Leadership targeted successfully in #Tral. College dropout ZakirBhat #Musa leader of #AGuH neutralised. Defied #Hizb continuously. Commendable & laudable efforts by @adgpi @northerncomd_ia @kashmirpolice @crpf_srinagar

— Chinar Corps – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) May 24, 2019

Musa was one of the longest-surviving militants in the Valley. Zakir was a civil engineering student at a Chandigarh college before joining militancy. He had gone missing from home in July 2013.