Indian troops say top rebel in Kashmir killed

Burhan was killed along with two more militants, one of them identified as Sartaj Ahmad alias Abu Ukasa. The encounter erupted in Bumdoora village of Kokernag in the district after a joint team of police and army launched a search operation on the basis of specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants.

While confirming the death of Burhan, J&K Director General Police K Rajendra said his death was a big blow to the Hizbul.

The son of a school principal, Wani regularly posted videos and pictures of Hizbul Mujahideen fighters on social media.

The former Chief Minister also said he does not recall any militancy incident attributed to Wani while he was in office.

Wani, the face of new-age militancy in Kashmir, played a key role in making Hizbul Mujahideen stronger than the Lashkar-e-Taiba in the Valley.

It was for this poster boy image that the security forces had announced a reward of Rs 1 million on his head. Known as a top motivator and recruiter in the Valley, Burhan was from the latest breed of educated youth to join militancy.

Burhan Wani Joined the separatist movement after an alleged assault by the security forces on his brother Khalid.

Indian authorities have imposed a curfew in most areas of south Kashmir and parts of Srinagar, a local Indian capital.

Others killed along with him were Sartaz, who is a resident of Kokernag area and was believed to have carried out several attacks on police in South Kashmir. The identity of the third militant was yet to be established.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat chairman SAS Geelani has called for shutdown in Kashmir and has asked people to attend the funeral of Burhan Wani.