Sabzar Ahmad Bhat takes over Hizbul, to avenge Wani's death

Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest indigenous militant outfit in the Kashmir valley, has reportedly named Sabzar Ahmad Bhat as their operational chief in Kashmir replacing Burhan Wani, who was killed by the Indian Army in a secret operation last month.

Bhat who is one of the top rated militants of the outfit, was first seen posing with Wani in one of the photos that went viral on social media earlier this year.According to a report in Firstpost, Bhat took into militancy during the unrest that shook the valley when Burhan’s brother was killed by the armed forces in Tral.

Followed by which the youths of Tral staged a protest and attacked the armed forces deployed near Wani’s house. During the clash Sabzar managed to snatch a rifle from a member of the armed forces after which he went missing along with Wani.

A senior police official said that Bhat, Wani and most of the militants born out of the valley receive their training in a forest near Tral area. “Tral area is surrounded by the forests of Gulshanpora, Gusoo and Shikargah where militants get the safe sanctuary and Bhat has received training in these very areas. It is very unlikely that (Sabzar) would have crossed the border for the weapons training in Pakistan.”

While Burhan attacked panchs, sarpanchs and security forces, Bhat is known for his skill to hunt down and kill informers of the forces. After the armed forces managed to kill Burhan who was an 'A++ listed' militant of the outfit, Sabzar has been categorised as an 'A category' militant.

Officials further said that Sabzar has reportedly developed an over ground workers (OGWs) network to strengthen his support base in South Kashmir. “It is due to the very good OGW network that militants like Sabzar have managed to create a wide support base for themselves,” said a senior police official.

 “Out of the 11 militants who featured in this photo, only five including Sabzar are active now,” added a security official. 

• Burhan Wani
• Hizbul Mujahideen