Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani was killed on Friday in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, reported NDTV. Wani was among three militants gunned down by Indian forces during an operation. The state's police chief K Rajendra confirmed the news. The operation began in Bumdoora village, where the militants were believed to be hiding. Army personnel arrived at the spot and the militants are believed to have started firing at them. A gunbattle ensued, in which Wani was killed along with two of his associates. As soon as the news of his death came in, his photos started circulating on social media.

The 21-year-old leader had gained popularity for his online videos asking young Kashmiri men to join the militant outfit, and was had started being referred to as the new face of militancy in the state. He hailed from Tral in southern Kashmir and came from a wealthy family. Wani joined the group at the age of 15 after his brother was allegedly assaulted by the Indian Army. The government had earlier announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information on him.

Earlier this week, Scroll.in reported on how Wani had become a folk hero. Read the story here.