Top Hizbul Mujahideen commander and Burhan Wani's associate Sadam Padder was among five militants killed in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Sunday. Among the slain also includes Kashmir University's assistant professor Dr Mohammad Rafi who had gone missing only a couple of days ago.
As already reported a fierce gunfight started between militants and the joint team of army's 44 RR, SOG and CRPF. Reinforcements of army's 34 RR, 3 RR and 44were rushed to the area. Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid confirmed the killing of five militants including Sadam Padder. Sadam who was one of the close associates of Burhan Wani- the Hizb commander whose in 2016 triggered massive unrest across Kashmir Valley with nearly ninety protesters and bystanders killed by forces during protests which also saw more than 10,000 people getting injured, hundreds of them losing eyesight completely or partially in pellet firing.
A police officer meanwhile confirmed to that assistant professor of KU Dr Mohammad Rafi Bhat was also among the slain. The other slain includeed Tawseef Sheikh, Molvi Bilal and Adil Ahmad. IGP SP Pani told that efforts were made to persuade militants to surrender but they refused. The announcements were on loudspeakers. We even tried to take families to encounter site to persuade the militants but to no avail, IGP said.