Srinagar: Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) has appointed Gazi Haider as the new operation commander for Jammu and Kashmir after the killing of Riyaz Naikoo last week.
On Sunday, as per a statement issued, the HM paid tribute to Naikoo in a command council meeting, held under the chair of United Jihad Council (UJC) chairman and the HM’s supremo Syed Salahuddin.
Naikoo was killed with his associate, Adil Bhat, in a gunfight with the government forces in Beighpora village of Pulwama district on Wednesday.
“During the meet, Gazi Haider was appointed as Operational Chief Commander for J-K, Zaffar-ul-Islam as Deputy while Abu Tariq as Chief Military Advisor,” the statement said.
The statement further added: “Peoples determination towards freedom movement was also hailed and participants of the meet avowed that freedom struggle will remain continue till its logical conclusion and nobody will be allowed to exploit the sacred blood of martyrs.” (Inputs from KNS)